South Asia's growing role in US foreign policy: What to watch before elections
US-South Asia ties evolve with focus on India partnership and regional stability. Key developments in trade tech and security shape Washingtonʼs approach to this fast-changing region
US policy-makers dont give South Asia same attention as East Asia or Middle-East regions but several game-changing factors keep it on their to-do list. Great-power dynamics‚ democratic changes and US-India cooperation make this area super-important for Washingtonʼs foreign affairs
The upcoming US presidential race brings up key points that will shape next 4 years of regional ties. Here are main topics that need attention:
- The Quad meeting in mid-2024 showed good team-work between partners
- Modi and Putinʼs talks didnt hurt US interests much
- Modiʼs govt actions against Sikh groups abroad got Western attention
- Tech mogul Elon Musk sees business chances in local markets
Julyʼs Quad ministers meet-up fixed some issues that came up last year (when members had other stuff to deal with). The India-Russia connection – which some thought would be a big problem – turned out to be not-so-bad for US-India friendship
Western countries keep an eye on how Modiʼs third term deals with Sikh separatists outside India; this topic stays hot in diplomatic talks. Meanwhile Muskʼs Starlink internet service might shake-up South Asian tech scene: the region has lots of people who need better web access
