A Comparative Analysis of USA Policies Toward Pakistan and India During Obama Administration

Abstract

The USA had completely different South Asia strategies for Pakistan and India reflecting the changing geopolitical priorities during the presidency of Barack Obama (2009-2017). The U.S. saw India not only as a partner but also as a counter China and a promoter of the region's stability, having the same values as the U.S. in the area of democracy, economic growth, and regional stability. To counter the rise of China, the administration was committed to developing the defense and diplomatic relations with India through various channels like the U.S.-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, the signing of several defense agreements (DTTI, LEMOA, COMCASA), and even cooperation on climate change by way of the Paris Agreement. Pakistan would continue to be a counter-terrorism partner with whom the U.S. would cooperate, and this was multiplied by the Kerry–Lugar–Berman Act (2009) and military assistance. However, the relationship was further strained by events such as the Abbottabad raid in 2011 and the ensuing civilian-military tensions. Economic engagements between countries blossomed, the U.S.-India trade going up from $19 billion in 2000 to more than $100 billion in 2014, whereas Pakistan got $7.96 billion for security and $10.85 billion for economic support. The two countries also took part in nuclear security summits and cybersecurity dialogues which reflected their shared interests in non-proliferation and cyber stability. The comparative analysis brings out the fact that Obama’s policy was one of balancing a long-term strategic partnership with India against a pragmatic, conflicting relationship with Pakistan, and this shaped U.S. engagement in South Asia.