The declassified U.S. Strategic framework for the Indo-Pacific. (May 2021)

In a surprise move, documents that would have otherwise remained classified until 2042 were declassified by the outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump. The paper of ten pages, titled U.S. STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR THE INDO-PACIFIC, is a virtual American wish list, concerned over China’s increased influence and aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

With the money earned largely by trading with America, China’s deep pockets have emboldened it into debt-trapping many weaker and smaller nations. China has successfully converted trade and infrastructure to subjugate nations that are considered crucial to Chinese interests. The U.S. must not only stop China at its crafty designs but also reclaim its lost commercial and military trading space. The paper elaborately defines strengthening its relations with India, Japan and Australia. Defending Taiwan and empowering South Korea are also strategized. 

India features as the most prominent U.S. ally in the future to counterbalance the Chinese threat to thwart the Chinese moves. The paper admits that the U.S. is the preferred partner for India on security issues. It states that India cooperates to preserve maritime security and counter Chinese influence in South and South-East Asia and other regions of mutual concern. India maintains the capacity to counter border provocations by China. India expands its economic, defence and diplomatic cooperation with other U.S. allies and partners in the region.

The U.S. plans to accelerate India’s rise and capacity as a net provider of security and Major defence partner, collaborating with the U.S. and its partners in the region. The U.S. plans stronger defence cooperation and interoperability, expanding defence trade and exchanging defence technology to enhance India’s status as a major defence partner. The U.S. expects to support India in the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group, to help in domestic economic reforms. It also would help India in the border dispute with China through military, diplomatic and intelligence channels including access to water from the Brahmaputra and other rivers facing diversion from China.

To support India’s “Act East” policy and our aspiration to be a leading global power. Building regional support for U.S.-India Common principles in the Indian Ocean, unimpeded Commerce, transparent infrastructure debt-practices and territorial disputes. Promoting U.S.-India energy cooperation across all sources and technologies. 

Partner with India on cyber and space security and maritime domain awareness. Expanding U.S. -India intelligence sharing and analytical exchanges. Working with India and Japan to help finance projects that enhance regional connectivity between India and its neighbours.

One thing is clear. India’s non-existent or confusing foreign policy has come of age. Nehru’s attempt at a non-aligned platform came a cropper.  Yielding to the Soviets after that did not bring about any economic prosperity to India. India had a short fling with the U.S. during the tenure of PM Morarji Desai. Despite the Soviet Union’s dismantling, India wandered in the foreign policy wilderness until it chose the U.S. as an ally. Perhaps the move has been due to China’s increased disturbances on India’s borders and Russia’s relative neutral stand. India’s foreign policy shift is a welcome move and a win-win situation to grow our stature globally and keep China under check.

Sampath Kumar

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