The Implications of the Trump Administration’s South Asia Policy for US-Pakistan Relations

On August 21, 2017, US President Donald Trump unveiled in a televised speech his administration's “South Asia” policy, signaling his intention to place the Afghan war in the broader context of America's relationships with Pakistan and India. The policy announcement has significant implications for Pakistan because it clearly indicated a change in the identity of America's principal ally in the region from Pakistan to its rival India. This shift, however, had been in the works for years, originating in the George W. Bush administration. Both the executive branch and the Congress of the United States for years have blamed Pakistan for the failure of the international coalition to defeat the insurgents attempting to overthrow the Afghan government and praised India for its constructive role in building an Afghan state. It is not in Pakistan's interest, however, to overreact to the harsh statements and punitive actions emanating from the White House and Capitol Hill since the United States remains the world's sole superpower and, moreover, needs positive relations with Pakistan to resolve the Afghan conflict and effect peace, stability and prosperity in the South Asia region, which comprises 25% of the world's population.