The region of South Asia comprising of two nuclear states India and Pakistan – which also happen to be long time rivals - is the flashpoint of future conflicts.
These conflicts would most likely arise from the on and off imbalance of nuclear deterrence, trans-border terrorism, water disputes or the much clichéd Kashmir issue. But one must note here that these conflicts won’t come into play without the role of foreign involvement like the United States and China.
The United States is on the verge of losing balance in the region because of economic constraints, as a result of the failing War on Terror in Afghanistan. It is therefore, looking for a way out which seems to be not that easy. The expansion of its influence into Asia-Pacific for economic ties with partners like South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and India is gaining the required media hype. The recent visits of President Obama on the eve of Asian Economic Summits have proven that America can no longer sustain the decade long war and is now claiming its dominance as an Asia-Pacific power in the region. One wonders where that is going to lead the superpower.
China on the other hand, being a superpower in its own region has managed to match the American economy and has the potential to leave it behind in the near future. China is strong economically and militarily and is an apparent threat to the United States and India alike. Pakistan being an old ally of China, is taking every advantage of the “friendship” to improve its security, economic and energy problems. In other words, Pakistan provides a platform to China in the heart of South Asia which is a strategic gain for the latter. More
