Perils of a tight embrace: India, US, Kashmir and non‐proliferation issues

Abstract

The paper analyses the ‘supremacist’ trends in current US foreign policy emphasising ‘unilateralism’ which are to the detriment of cooperative security arrangements and international/bilateral treaties. The absence of a great power rival appears to have generated the conviction in the US Administration that it is unstoppable in pursuit of its objectives. Less Developed Countries have become vulnerable because of ‘democratic norms’ and ‘human rights’ which provide entry points for interference in internal affairs. The implications for India include: a) increased activism on the Kashmir issue b) continuing support to Pakistan and economic bail‐out due to its importance to US geo‐strategic interests; and, therefore, no reduction in Pakistan's proxy war in Kashmir and c) continuation of US counter‐proliferation efforts due to the ‘nuclear flash point’ hypothesis to ensure that India's deterrence posture is.‐regional, de‐alerted and de‐mated as ¦ acceptable to USA. In the prevailing environment, the paper finds new justifications for the deployment by India of a spectrum of nuclear weapons and delivery vehicles with intercontinental range. India would be immune to US pressure and become a truly independent player in the international scene only with this capability.