India, Pakistan, and the Trump Doctrine, Navigating Geopolitics Beyond Crisis
Why in News?
In the wake of heightened Indo-Pak tensions and the controversial diplomatic stance of the United States under President Donald Trump, questions are being raised about the future trajectory of India-US relations, especially under a transactional U.S. foreign policy and the ongoing threat of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. 
Introduction
As India and Pakistan edged toward escalation following recent terrorist attacks, U.S. responses—including Vice President Mike Pence’s remark that Indo-Pak conflicts are “none of our business”—signaled a shift in American diplomatic posture. Analysts argue that efforts to hyphenate India and Pakistan again, using India’s trade dependency as leverage, may no longer work in Trump’s transactional and unpredictable diplomatic framework.
Key Themes and Analysis
1. Trump’s Strategic Uncertainty
-
Trump is known for treating foreign relations as business deals rather than alliances based on democratic values or historical partnerships.
-
His administration’s inconsistent reactions to India-Pakistan conflicts reflect a lack of long-term strategy and understanding of South Asia’s complex geopolitics.
2. Decline of Traditional US Mediation
-
Compared to past American interventions during Kargil (1999), the Trump era shows a reduced willingness to mediate Indo-Pak conflicts.
-
The U.S. now avoids involvement unless American interests are directly impacted, challenging India’s reliance on global powers for diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.
3. Hyphenating India-Pakistan Again
-
The article warns against U.S. efforts to equate India and Pakistan again in strategic calculations.
-
Using trade as a weapon to influence India’s military stance may be short-sighted, as India is increasingly asserting its strategic autonomy.
4. Terrorism and the Pulwama Attack
-
The Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019, which killed 40 CRPF personnel, exposed the continuing threat of cross-border terrorism.
-
U.S. failure to take a strong position risks sending a weak message on global terrorism, especially when Trump’s rhetoric is anti-Islamist elsewhere.
5. India’s Path Forward
-
India is now diversifying its foreign relations beyond the U.S., engaging Europe, Russia, and regional Asian powers.
-
Rather than depending on U.S. goodwill, India is recalibrating its defense and diplomatic strategy, preparing for a multipolar world.
Conclusion
The article urges Indian policymakers to look “beyond Trump” in shaping foreign policy. While the U.S. remains a crucial partner, India must prioritize independent strategic planning and avoid being entangled in Washington’s transactional games. Trust and consistency, not opportunism, will determine the future of India’s global standing.
Q&A Section
Q1. What recent event triggered the discussion in this article?
The article was triggered by the escalating tension between India and Pakistan, particularly after the Pulwama terrorist attack and the lukewarm U.S. response under the Trump administration.
Q2. What is meant by ‘hyphenating’ India and Pakistan?
It refers to viewing India and Pakistan as a joint issue or conflict zone in foreign policy, rather than treating them as separate strategic entities.
Q3. How has the U.S. approach changed under President Trump?
Trump’s foreign policy is transactional and self-interested, focusing on economic gains rather than ideological or diplomatic commitments, making him unreliable during crises.
Q4. Why is relying on trade threats a problem in Indo-U.S. diplomacy?
Using trade threats to influence India’s strategic decisions—such as retaliation against terrorism—undermines trust and may push India to diversify partnerships.
Q5. What is India’s best strategy going forward?
India should pursue strategic autonomy, reduce dependence on any single power like the U.S., and build stronger ties with other global and regional players.
