America and India's Role in Afghanistan

John Kerry: “The world’s largest democracy [India] can play a central role in helping the government of Afghanistan improve its electoral system and create a credible and independent framework for resolving disputes. Talks between India and Pakistan in the energy sector are a welcome step and both countries can obtain gas from Turkmenistan by route of Afghanistan.”*

From the above views expressed by the U.S. Secretary of State in India’s capital, New Delhi, it seems that America forgot all the sacrifices made by its frontline ally, Pakistan, in the Afghan war, and its efforts in bringing the Taliban to the table for discussions with America. The U.S. is announcing an important role for Afghanistan for a country that is the biggest opponent of its frontline ally. Furthermore, the pressure on Pakistan’s borders with India and Afghanistan, already fraught with tension, will be intensified by India’s coming into Afghanistan.

This is not about elections or central roles, but a matter of principle. The role played by Pakistan in the Afghan war and now in the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan is not hidden from anyone. If the U.S., the Afghan government and the Taliban have come together today in Doha, Qatar for discussions, then and most critical actor in bringing them together was Pakistan.

The appropriate course of action for America would now be to give priority to Pakistan, not India, in the matter of establishing peace in Afghanistan, talks in Qatar and any program of significance planned for Afghanistan in the future. Since any action in Afghanistan necessarily has repercussions in Pakistan, it would bring positive results if America were to take any important step in Afghanistan while consulting with Pakistan.

Where has Uncle India come into this?

*Editor’s note: The last sentence of this quote, accurately translated, could not be verified.