Published 07:07 IST, October 27th 2021
US' former diplomat Haley and Congresman Waltz call for an alliance with India
US' former diplomat Haley and Congresman Waltz call for an alliance with India
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Washington, Oct 26 (PTI) America’s former envoy to UN Nikki Haley and a powerful Republican lawmaker Mike Waltz on Tuesday called for an alliance between India and US that would allow both countries to maintain and expand ir global strength.
“As a nuclear power with more than 1 million troops, a growing navy, a top-tier space programme, and a proven history of economic and military cooperation with United States, India would make a strong ally,” Haley and Congressman Waltz, wrote in latest issue of prestigious Foreign Policy magazine.
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Waltz is a member on powerful House Armed Services Committee, and Republican vice chair of India Caucus.
“An alliance with India would allow both countries to maintain and expand ir global strength. And toger with Japan and Australia, it would enable United States to form a real deterrent to potential terrorist threats in Afghanistan as well as counter China,” y argued.
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Arguing that post-withdrawal, it’s only India who can effectively keep a watchful eye on Afghanistan, Haley and Waltz wrote that only New Delhi can keep track of China’s sourn flank.
“India operates Farkhor Air Base in Tajikistan, only air base with proximity to conduct counterterrorism strikes in Afghanistan. With an alliance, India could allow us access to strategic bases to protect US interests in Afghanistan and broer region,” y wrote.
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“A US-India alliance would also give us an edge over China. Like United States, India recognises that China is a rapidly growing threat. Not only is it attempting to capitalise on our withdrawal from Afghanistan, which goes against both United States and India’s interests, China is also pressuring India on its own borders,” Haley and Waltz said.
two Republican leers said that a US-India alliance would give China pause before furr expanding into Central and Sourn Asia.
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“And we’d be building on solid ground. Just this month, U.S. military held joint exercises with hundreds of Indian soldiers in Alaska to strengn cooperation and better prepare for cold, mountainous conditions like those in China-India border region,” y wrote.
“An alliance would also recognise region’s shifting geopolitical realities. China’s newly aggressive posture toward India is not by accident. It is part of a broer plan. Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is emboldened after shoring up support from India’s longtime foe, Pakistan,” y said. PTI LKJ RS RS
07:07 IST, October 27th 2021