US Policy Paper Backs India Over China, Dismisses Pakistan

Washington’s Indo-Pacific Blueprint: India and Quad Take Center Stage to Counter China

The United States has unveiled a new strategic roadmap. It names China as America’s primary global challenge. The document positions India and the Quad alliance as central pillars in Washington’s plan for the Indo-Pacific region. This significant shift in foreign policy was detailed in the recently released US National Security Strategy.

According to Reuters, the strategy represents the Trump administration’s most direct takedown of Beijing yet. It calls for strengthened alliances to prevent military confrontation in Asia. Europe, meanwhile, is advised to build greater self-reliance, and traditional partner Pakistan receives only a single, passing mention.

Indo-Pacific strategy

A Strategic Pivot to India and the Quad Alliance

The 29-page document dedicates substantial focus to the Indo-Pacific. It describes the region as the epicenter of 21st-century economic and geopolitical competition. The strategy explicitly calls for deepening ties with India to encourage its contribution to regional security.

This includes continued cooperation through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad. The group consists of the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia. The document frames the Quad not just as a diplomatic forum but as a practical tool for enhancing maritime security and military interoperability.

Tough Stance on China and Reshaping Alliances

The language on China is notably firm. It outlines concerns over Beijing’s aggressive tactics and expansive territorial claims. The strategy warns that unchecked Chinese dominance could undermine global supply chains and democratic norms.

To counter this, the plan advocates for a network of strong regional partnerships. It emphasizes winning long-term economic and technological competition. This vision minimizes large multilateral structures, instead favoring agile, results-oriented alliances like the Quad.

The strategic elevation of India marks a notable evolution. It occurs despite ongoing bilateral trade tensions and visa issues. The document suggests future cooperation could even include a potential trade deal, signaling a prioritization of strategic interests over discrete disputes.

This new US security blueprint fundamentally reshapes its approach to Asia. The Indo-Pacific strategy now explicitly relies on a empowered India and a robust Quad to maintain a balance of power and deter conflict, setting the stage for a new era of geopolitical maneuvering.

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What is the Quad?

The Quad, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is an informal strategic forum. It includes the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. The group focuses on promoting a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific region through joint military exercises and cooperative initiatives.

Why is the US focusing more on India now?

US strategy views India as a crucial democratic counterweight to China’s growing influence. India’s geographic size, economic potential, and military capacity make it a vital partner for Washington in ensuring regional stability and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

How does the strategy view China?

The document identifies China as America’s primary strategic competitor. It criticizes Beijing’s coercive economic practices and military expansionism. The strategy aims to block Chinese regional hegemony by building a stronger network of US allies and partners.

What does this mean for US relations with Pakistan?

Pakistan’s single mention in the lengthy document signals a dramatic diminishment of its strategic importance to Washington. US policy is now clearly reoriented towards India and other partners seen as more effective in balancing Chinese power in Asia.

What are the practical effects of this strategy?

We can expect increased US-India defense cooperation, technology sharing, and joint Quad military exercises. The focus will be on maritime domain awareness, securing critical supply chains, and demonstrating unified deterrence against coercive actions in regions like the South China Sea.