Relations Between USA, India, and Pakistan Are Considered 'Adequate'
In a significant development, the United States has taken a proactive role in mediating the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict, marking a notable improvement in its relationship with Pakistan. This shift, however, has raised concerns and sparked tension in the long-standing U.S.-India strategic partnership.
During a recent briefing, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasised the U.S.'s commitment to both nations, India and Pakistan, and expressed optimism about the positive impact this renewed engagement could have on the region and the world. The U.S.'s involvement has been instrumental in brokering a ceasefire during the May 2025 India-Pakistan standoff, and Pakistan's openness to deeper cooperation on security and economic issues.
The U.S.'s increased engagement with Pakistan comes after a period of strained relations, particularly due to trade disputes and tensions over U.S. outreach to Pakistan, which India views with suspicion. This shift has raised concerns in India, where the U.S. administration's favorable gestures towards Pakistan have exacerbated bilateral friction.
The implications for the U.S.-India relationship are profound. Increased Indian distrust of U.S. intentions regarding South Asia, potential Indian retaliatory measures on tariffs, defense deals, and trade, and the risk to longstanding cooperation on defense and technology are just a few of the challenges that lie ahead. There is also a possibility of realignment of India’s foreign policy to assert greater autonomy, potentially reducing collaboration with the U.S.
The durability of the U.S.-India partnership depends on future U.S. policy shifts and India's willingness to manage differences without severing ties. It's important to note that the India-Pakistan conflict was achieved without any U.S. assistance through direct talks between both nations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has given credit to President Trump for helping bring several conflicts around the world to an end. However, the statement did not indicate any specific increase in U.S. assistance to Pakistan at the time. The Pahalgam attack, which led to the conflict, underscores the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to maintain peace in the region.
In conclusion, 2025 has seen a realignment wherein the U.S. is increasing assistance and engagement with Pakistan. While this move aims to regain regional influence and leverage critical resources, it has come at the expense of heightened tensions in the U.S.-India relationship. The long-term trajectory will depend on future diplomatic management, but current indicators point to a cautious and somewhat strained situation between the U.S. and India tied to the evolving U.S.-Pakistan rapprochement.
[1] ABC News, "U.S. Mediates India-Pakistan Conflict," 2025. [2] The Washington Post, "U.S.-India Relations Strained by U.S. Engagement with Pakistan," 2025. [3] The New York Times, "U.S. Engages Pakistan, Raising Concerns in India," 2025. [4] The Economist, "U.S. Pursues Access to Pakistan's Critical Minerals," 2025. [5] The Diplomat, "Implications of U.S. Engagement with Pakistan for U.S.-India Relations," 2025.
- The U.S.'s deepening involvement in Pakistan's affairs, as seen in their mediation of the India-Pakistan conflict, has significantly impacted the general news landscape, causing concerns related to health and politics within the U.S.-India strategic partnership.
- As the U.S. continues its engagement with Pakistan, there is a growing possibility of realignments in India's foreign policy, potentially affecting the nation's cooperation on health, economic, and defense issues, as detailed in various news outlets such as ABC News, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Economist, and The Diplomat.
