Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was in New Delhi to strengthen economic and security ties with India. The visit of Rex Tillerson, US Secretary of State followed. The simultaneous visits indicate a line-up between the US, India and Afghanistan. Tillerson had previously described the US as India’s reliable partner. He said that unlike China, India has always followed the rules of international order. He called for greater cooperation between the US and Asian democracies and also a check on the Chinese aggressive stance on the South-China Sea. President Donald Trump has also alluded to a tilt towards India and slammed Pakistan for extending support to terror groups in the country. Tillerson is likely to stick to the same standpoint in India which will be in this country’s interest. The US advocates isolationism in its foreign policy but is very much engaged in the West Asian theatre of operations.
It appears that a new chapter of Great Game is unfolding in Asia. Chinese President Xi Jinping has made it clear that his country will not compromise on its core strategic interests. US policy as it emerges now is in conflict with China’s militaristic ambitions. However, India should not be lulled into complacence to become a US vassal state in the present political situation. The US has never been a reliable partner especially in relation to Pakistan and China. It relies on Pakistan and China for economic and strategic reasons. The US needs Pakistan’s help to eliminate jihadis in Afghanistan. India should not in any event allow the US to make it commit troops in Afghanistan.