The Asian Triangle

M.K. Bhadrakumar, Arif Rafiq, Jing-dong Yuan | World Politics Review | 2008-12-01

Attempts to improve the situation in Afghanistan without in turn destabilizing Pakistan have led to an emerging consensus regarding a "regional approach" that sees the India-Pakistan rivalry as a key to stabilizing the region. But lurking in the shadows of the India-Pakistan rivalry is China. WPR examines The Asian Triangle.

Pakistan's Search for Security
By Arif Rafiq
The attacks in Mumbai raised once again the specter of an Indo-Pak war. Yet, earlier on the same day the attacks began, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi arrived in New Delhi to continue recently renewed peace talks with his Indian counterpart. The two South Asian states, playing to a script performed before, had in a short period of time taken two steps forward and 10 steps back.

India Wary of U.S. 'Regional Approach'
By M.K. Bhadrakumar
The buzzwords in Washington discussions of South Asia are "regional solution." But regional protagonists are anxious about what such an approach might entail. Barack Obama likely will need the cooperation of China to find such a solution -- a worrying prospect for India. Meanwhile, India sees an Afghanistan free from foreign influence as its best bet.

Chinese Perspectives on a Rising India
By Jing-dong Yuan
Sino-Indian relations have registered significant progress in the past five years. Beijing and New Delhi have engaged in a series of summit meetings, frequent high-level visits, joint military exercises, and fast-growing bilateral trade. An examination of Chinese perspectives on India's rise illustrates the promises of further cooperation and the potential pitfalls of conflict.

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