{"id":6162,"date":"2025-11-10T08:52:57","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T08:52:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/csrsaf.org\/en\/?p=6162"},"modified":"2026-01-17T10:51:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T10:51:05","slug":"the-defense-pact-between-india-and-the-united-states-and-its-implications-for-the-region-and-afghanistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/csrsaf.org\/en\/?p=6162","title":{"rendered":"The Defense Pact between India and the United States and Its Implications for the Region and Afghanistan"},"content":{"rendered":"

By: Assoc. Prof. Abdul Saboor Mubariz<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Note:\u00a0<\/strong>Click\u00a0here<\/a><\/strong> for the PDF file of this analysis.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

___________________________________________________________________<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In this issue:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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  1. \r\n
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    1. The Defense Pact between India and the United States and Its Implications for the Region and Afghanistan<\/li>\r\n
    2. Background of Defense and Security Relations between India and the United States<\/li>\r\n
    3. Objectives of the Pact<\/li>\r\n
    4. Regional Implications<\/li>\r\n
    5. Implications for Afghanistan<\/li>\r\n
    6. Conclusion<\/li>\r\n
    7. Recommendations<\/li>\r\n
    8. References<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

      ______________________________________________<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

      Introduction<\/h2>\r\n

      During the Cold War, the foreign policy of the United States toward South Asia was primarily centered on security concerns. The region was viewed mainly as a battleground against the Soviet Union and the spread of communism. Since India was considered an ally of the Soviet Union at the time, its relations with the United States remained cold and limited. Following the end of the Cold War, however, U.S. foreign policy toward South Asia underwent a significant transformation. Washington shifted its focus from Pakistan to India, seeking to establish strong economic and strategic relations with New Delhi. Nevertheless, in 1998, following India\u2019s nuclear tests, bilateral relations deteriorated once again. Later, the signing of the \u201cStrategic Partnership Agreement\u201d in 2005 marked the beginning of a renewed phase of cooperation between the two nations. However, in 2018 and 2025, the relationship cooled once more due to U.S. President Donald Trump\u2019s decision to increase tariffs on Indian goods and India\u2019s reciprocal response. To rebuild these strained ties, on October 31, 2025 (Friday), India and the United States signed a ten-year defense cooperation pact. This analysis explores the significance, objectives, and potential implications of this agreement for the broader South Asian region and Afghanistan.<\/p>\r\n

      <\/a>Background of Defense and Security Relations between India and the United States<\/h2>\r\n

      During the Cold War, India was a close ally of the Soviet Union and, as a result, maintained no significant defense or security cooperation with the United States. After the Cold War ended, relations between India and the United States gradually improved; however, defense cooperation remained relatively weak. Following the events of September 11, 2001, the United States expanded its military presence in South Asia. Once the situation became relatively stable, Washington initiated nuclear-related negotiations with New Delhi in 2004. During these negotiations, the two sides agreed to cooperate in three specific areas:<\/p>\r\n

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      1. Civilian nuclear activities;<\/strong><\/li>\r\n
      2. Civilian space programs;<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n