The same day a drone strike in Pakistan reportedly killed al Qaeda
The same day a drone strike in Pakistan reportedly killed al Qaeda deputy leader Abu Yahya al-Libi, United States defense officials traveling in Asia urged India to play a greater role in Afghanistan.
The U.S. feels sustained Indian and Pakistani involvement in the beleagured Central Asian nation will be the only method to sustain the country after a full pullout of American troops.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a high level official traveling aboard Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s plane told reporters the U.S. “welcome[s] India playing a more active role in Afghanistan, a more active political and economic role.”
Panetta arrived in India Tuesday for two days of meetings with the top U.S. ally in South Asia. A DOD readout released today of Panetta’s meetings with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and National Security Advisor Shivshankar Memon confirmed Afghanistan was discussed.
“Secretary Panetta underscored the link India plays between East and West Asia and how the United States views India as a net provider of security from the Indian Ocean to Afghanistan and beyond.,” the statement read.
However, regional experts say these statements from the United States will necessarily inflame Pakistan furor regarding the war. Relations between India and Pakistan with regards to their neighbor Afghanistan have never been peaceful.
Although the senior U.S. official acknowledged this history, he said American officials have also been in touch with Pakistani counterparts, urging them to also take a more constructive role in the country. The official said both countries would benefit from improved conditions in Afghanistan.
However, Panetta’s visit to India – the world’s largest democracy and a key partner of the U.S. – and today’s drone attacks on Pakistani soil targeting al Qaeda operative al-Libi highlight the difference in the diplomatic relations the U.S. has with the two south Asian neighbors.
Notably, in a speech to Asian defense officials in Singapore on Saturday, Panetta did not mention U.S.-Pakistani relations, while repeatedly mentioning India as a a key partner.
“I will travel to India to affirm our interest in building a strong security relationship with a country I believe will play a decisive role in shaping the security and prosperity of the 21st century,” Panetta said.
Panetta will continue his trip in India tomorrow. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, officials have not confirmed the death of al-Libi, saying the remains found were too scarred to be identified.
http://www.rttnews.com/1900556/india-should-play-greater-role-in-afghanistan-dod.aspx?type=usp