US-Pakistan Army Ties Seen as Challenge for India-US Relations – Dhruva Jaishankar
Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of ORF America and son of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, told a US congressional panel that Washington’s engagement with Pakistan’s military remains a sensitive issue for New Delhi. He made the remarks during a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia.
India Watches US–Pakistan Dynamics Closely
Jaishankar said India is concerned that deeper US outreach to Pakistan’s army could create strategic complications for India–US relations. He added that India views Pakistan’s military establishment as historically linked to cross-border terrorism, making American engagement with it a potential point of friction.
De-Hyphenation Policy Under Scrutiny
He noted that Washington’s continued de-hyphenation approach—handling India and Pakistan separately—works well in many areas but becomes complicated when US policy intersects with Pakistan’s security establishment. Such interactions, he said, can affect Indian confidence in the partnership.
Broader India–US Relationship Still Strong
Despite differences, Jaishankar emphasised that India–US ties have expanded in defence cooperation, technology, supply chains and trade. He noted that both countries share strategic interests, particularly in countering China, but must manage disagreements such as tariffs and Pakistan-related policies more carefully.
Regional Developments Add to Sensitivity
His remarks came amid growing US economic engagement with Pakistan, including interest in the Reko Diq mining project. Indian officials have privately signalled that any policy perceived as empowering Pakistan’s military could undermine regional stability.
