The US-India nuclear collaboration marks a critical turning point in Indo-Pacific security, but uncertainties lie ahead.
At a Glance
- The US-India nuclear collaboration aims to enhance India’s capabilities, confronting regional tensions.
- China, India, and Pakistan’s nuclear status adds complexity to geopolitical stability in South Asia.
- The US strategy leans toward India, potentially altering the regional strategic balance.
- Former President Trump’s potential return could challenge the stability of US foreign policy in the region.
Strategic Implications of the US-India Nuclear Collaboration
The US has removed barriers to India’s nuclear pursuits, strengthening its partnership against a backdrop of increasing Indo-Pacific tensions. As the geopolitical environment in South Asia becomes more complex, the longstanding India-Pakistan confrontation and the increasingly tense China-India relationship come into focus.
China, India, and Pakistan all possess nuclear arsenals, requiring careful analysis of their regional implications. The US, aiming to counter China’s influence, has formed closer ties with India. This coalition heightens the China-India-Pakistan nuclear trilemma, and regional dynamics are becoming more unstable.
6. We are making significant investments in our defense ties with India to uphold a favorable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. https://t.co/xyKrefEze2
— Dr. Ely Ratner (@ASD_IndoPacific) February 9, 2023
US-India Alliance and Its Effect on South Asian Stability
The China-India relationship is evolving with heightened competition, as India seeks to assertively address national security. “The role of China, Pakistan’s principal ally, is a rival and perceived as a growing security threat in India, imposing demands on India’s nuclear and conventional armaments,” a source noted.
At the same time, the US and India are finding common ground in security and technology cooperation. This convergence raises concerns about strategic imbalance in South Asia, as evidenced by an increase in Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities. The geopolitical chain in the region remains highly sensitive to shifts in US policy, particularly with the political re-entry of former President Donald Trump, which could alter the trajectory of these collaborations.
Jake Sullivan, US National Security Adviser, described the India-US partnership as “crucial” for regional stability. Sullivan’s visit to New Delhi and the removal of barriers to nuclear collaboration are clear indicators of the administration’s current commitment.
