THANKS, W:

Massive war games showcase deepening India-US ties (Bappa Majumdar, 10/12/09, Reuters)

India and the United States began a massive joint military exercise on Monday, underscoring their deepening security ties they view as crucial in a troubled South Asia region. Hundreds of soldiers using heavy transport aircraft and battle tanks are participating in the biggest-ever war games between the two countries which were on the opposing side of the Cold War but now seek to build strategic and military ties. [...]

The two countries share security concerns centered around Pakistan and Afghanistan, and New Delhi seeks to enlist American support to press Islamabad to tackle militants on its soil. They also both share concerns about a rising China.

Washington is increasingly realising the impact of India-Pakistan rivalry on efforts to stabilise Afghanistan.

"Afghanistan and Pakistan will remain areas of concern for both countries and the U.S., instead of leaving Afghanistan as a theatre, is looking to quarantine the security threat in the region itself," said Uday Bhaskar, a strategic analyst.

"Therefore, this tactical exercise between the two countries to prepare their troops for future makes sense," Bhaskar, director of the National Maritime Foundation, said.

One of the most fascinating themes of the Bush years continues to be that he understood this future then whereas so few critics and "experts" recognize it even now.

Posted by Orrin Judd at October 17, 2009 7:30 AM