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Why in news?
U.S President recently announced his new Afghan strategy.
What are the implications?
- The policy was well received in India, with a promise of continued support with other partners.
- By invoking a larger Indian role in Afghanistan, it might add to the pressures on Pakistan to cooperate with the US.
- Pakistan is conscious of the dangers of antagonising the West, which was evident by its marked silence regarding the new policy.
- But it also should be noted that Pakistan has got away with its misdeeds for the past 17 years.
- So it would indeed prove difficult to turn words into action.
- It will not be easy, however, for Pakistan to abandon its investments in cross-border terror and will urge US pressure on India to start talks on Kashmir.
What is the way ahead?
- A positive Indian approach would involve three elements — economic, security and diplomatic.
- India must ramp up its economic diplomacy in Afghanistan to bring immediate benefits to Kabul amidst the deteriorating conditions in the country.
- It must step up security cooperation with Afghanistan, especially in the training of its police and armed forces and intelligence sharing.
- It must also remind the world of its commitment to regional cooperation with Afghanistan and Pakistan, in an atmosphere free of terrorism.
Source: Indian Express
