In a post-election shift US South-Asian policy keeps its main direction despite Donald Trumpʼs recent win. The Indo-pacific approach (which got support from both parties) stays as key factor in regional dealings
The policy maintains its focus on working with allies and dealing with Chinaʼs growing power in the region: however some changes are coming. Back in late-2020 when Mike Pompeo visited Maldives it showed how US wanted to build new ties with smaller countries
Recent weeks brought up new issues when US put sanctions on 19 India-based companies and two people for their Russia-linked business. These firms (which mostly work with local currency) dont seem too worried about restrictions
The Canada-India problem got worse after Canadian official David Morrison pointed at Indian minister Amit Shah for running anti-Sikh actions. A temple attack in Brampton made things more complex:
- Three people got arrested
- Justin Trudeau spoke against violence
- Narendra Modi called these acts cowardly
Pakistanʼs try to sell its main airline failed – only one company showed up with a low-ball offer. The IMF wants this sale done but Abdul Aleem Khan says they wont take cheap deals
In other news Maryam Nawaz from Pakistani Punjab wants to work with India on fixing air pollution; both Lahore and Delhi have really bad air right now. She might write to Indian Punjab leaders about this idea