US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (Oct 26) said that while his country is seeking to expand its “strategic relationship” with Pakistan, it won’t come at the cost of Washington’s “deep, historic, and important” ties with India. Speaking to reporters ahead of his meeting with the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, Rubio said that this was part of “a mature, pragmatic foreign policy.”“I think they (India) have to understand we have to have relations with a lot of different countries. We see an opportunity to expand our strategic relationship with Pakistan,” he said. “I think the Indians are very mature when it comes to diplomacy and things of that nature. Look, they have some relationships with countries that we don’t have relationships with. So, it’s part of a mature, pragmatic foreign policy.”“I don’t think anything we’re doing with Pakistan comes at the expense of our relationship or friendship with India, which is deep, historic, and important,” Rubio said.Earlier, US President Donald Trump highlighted the United States’ close ties with Pakistan at the ASEAN summit, where he called Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir “great people” and said that he would “quickly” help to resolve the country’s recent conflict with Afghanistan.Trump has also repeatedly alleged to broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a claim which India has consistently rejected. On the other hand, Islamabad has credited the US president for stopping the conflict between the two countries.Rubio also acknowledged the challenges between India and the US, including recent tensions over tariffs imposed by Trump and New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil. “We’re fully aware of the challenges with India, but our job is to create opportunities for partnerships where possible,” he said.“If they diversified their portfolio, the more they buy it from us, the more they’ll buy it from someone else. But I wouldn’t prejudge or — I’m not negotiating trade deals. So I’m not going to speak on that,” he said. “But I know they’ve (India) already expressed a desire to diversify their oil portfolio, even before all of this came up. So, obviously the more we sell them, the less they’ll buy from someone else. And, but, we’ll see where we wind up on all that.”

Rubio also acknowledged the challenges between India and the US, including recent tensions over tariffs imposed by Trump and New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (Oct 26) said that while his country is seeking to expand its “strategic relationship” with Pakistan, it won’t come at the cost of Washington’s “deep, historic, and important” ties with India. Speaking to reporters ahead of his meeting with the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, Rubio said that this was part of “a mature, pragmatic foreign policy.” “I think they (India) have to understand we have to have relations with a lot of different countries. We see an opportunity to expand our strategic relationship with Pakistan,” he said. “I think the Indians are very mature when it comes to diplomacy and things of that nature. Look, they have some relationships with countries that we don’t have relationships with. So, it’s part of a mature, pragmatic foreign policy.” “I don’t think anything we’re doing with Pakistan comes at the expense of our relationship or friendship with India, which is deep, historic, and important,” Rubio said. Earlier, US President Donald Trump highlighted the United States’ close ties with Pakistan at the ASEAN summit, where he called Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir “great people” and said that he would “quickly” help to resolve the country’s recent conflict with Afghanistan. Trump has also repeatedly alleged to broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a claim which India has consistently rejected. On the other hand, Islamabad has credited the US president for stopping the conflict between the two countries. Rubio also acknowledged the challenges between India and the US, including recent tensions over tariffs imposed by Trump and New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil. “We’re fully aware of the challenges with India, but our job is to create opportunities for partnerships where possible,” he said. “If they diversified their portfolio, the more they buy it from us, the more they’ll buy it from someone else. But I wouldn’t prejudge or — I’m not negotiating trade deals. So I’m not going to speak on that,” he said. “But I know they’ve (India) already expressed a desire to diversify their oil portfolio, even before all of this came up. So, obviously the more we sell them, the less they’ll buy from someone else. And, but, we’ll see where we wind up on all that.”

Rubio also acknowledged the challenges between India and the US, including recent tensions over tariffs imposed by Trump and New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.

‘Not at expense of relationship with India’: Rubio on warming ties between US and Pakistan

Days after President Joe Biden's remark questioning the safety of Pakistan's nuclear programme, the United States in a statement said it is confident in Islamabad's ability to control its nuclear arsenal.

Talking to reporters, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said that "The United States is confident of Pakistan's commitment and its ability to secure its nuclear assets."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US President speaks on Pakistan, calls it one of the most dangerous nations in the world

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"The US has always viewed a secure and prosperous Pakistan as critical to US interests and, more broadly, the US values our long-standing cooperation with Pakistan," he said, as per AFP.

On Thursday, during a private Democratic Party fundraiser in California, the President made offhand remarks on Pakistan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-pakistan-china-grow-closer-study-recommends-us-should-mend-ties-with-islamabad-522590">As Pakistan, China grow closer, study recommends US should mend ties with Islamabad</a>

Quoting a White House transcript&nbsp;Reuters reports that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-bidens-game-changing-student-loan-forgiveness-progamme-launched-8-million-applications-in-already-526307">President Biden</a> said Pakistan is "maybe one of the most dangerous nations in the world" adding that it has "Nuclear weapons without any cohesion."

Islamabad had protested the off-the-cuff comment and had summoned US ambassador Donald Blome to lodge a protest.

Expressing his surprise at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Biden's</a> comments, at a press conference on Saturday the nation's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said,&nbsp;"as far as the question of the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear assets are concerned, we meet all – each and every – international standard in accordance with the IAEA."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-pak-one-of-the-most-dangerous-nations-then-explains-why-525600">Pakistan summons US envoy over Biden's 'one of most dangerous nations' remark</a>

Bhutto-Zardari added that Pakistan officials can answer any specific concerns that Washington may have on his nation's nuclear programme.

However, he said that he believes that the remarks or the decision to summon the US ambassador would not negatively affect US-Pakistan relations.

Pakistan and US were once close allies, however, the ties turned sour over Washington's concerns over Islamabad's alleged support of the Taliban in Afghanistan. After years of frosty relations, the ties are now on a mend.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Days after President Joe Biden's remark questioning the safety of Pakistan's nuclear programme, the United States in a statement said it is confident in Islamabad's ability to control its nuclear arsenal.

Days after President Joe Biden's remark questioning the safety of Pakistan's nuclear programme, the United States in a statement said it is confident in Islamabad's ability to control its nuclear arsenal. Talking to reporters, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said that "The United States is confident of Pakistan's commitment and its ability to secure its nuclear assets." Watch | US President speaks on Pakistan, calls it one of the most dangerous nations in the world "The US has always viewed a secure and prosperous Pakistan as critical to US interests and, more broadly, the US values our long-standing cooperation with Pakistan," he said, as per AFP. On Thursday, during a private Democratic Party fundraiser in California, the President made offhand remarks on Pakistan. Also read | As Pakistan, China grow closer, study recommends US should mend ties with Islamabad Quoting a White House transcript Reuters reports that President Biden said Pakistan is "maybe one of the most dangerous nations in the world" adding that it has "Nuclear weapons without any cohesion." Islamabad had protested the off-the-cuff comment and had summoned US ambassador Donald Blome to lodge a protest. Expressing his surprise at Biden's comments, at a press conference on Saturday the nation's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said, "as far as the question of the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear assets are concerned, we meet all – each and every – international standard in accordance with the IAEA." Also read | Pakistan summons US envoy over Biden's 'one of most dangerous nations' remark Bhutto-Zardari added that Pakistan officials can answer any specific concerns that Washington may have on his nation's nuclear programme. However, he said that he believes that the remarks or the decision to summon the US ambassador would not negatively affect US-Pakistan relations. Pakistan and US were once close allies, however, the ties turned sour over Washington's concerns over Islamabad's alleged support of the Taliban in Afghanistan. After years of frosty relations, the ties are now on a mend. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After Biden's 'dangerous' Pak remark, US says 'confident' of Islamabad's ability to control nuclear assets

The key to countering Pakistan's growing reliance on China as per a study group lies in United States' continuing engagement with the south Asian nation.

The group which was composed of scholars and former US ambassadors to Pakistan Ryan Crocker, Cameron Munter and Robin Raphel, along with Pakistan's former ambassador in Washington Husain Haqqani, said that investment and climate cooperation are key to the engagement.

Referring to distrust over Afghanistan the group said "Instead of allowing existing differences to define the partnership, it may be time to recognise that both sides need to understand the other's interests so that they can then find a way to work on areas of mutual concern."

Watch |&nbsp;US: Job openings fall sharply to 10.053 MN in August, record National debt

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The United States and Pakistan as per AFP were allies throughout the Cold War, however, American authorities lost patience with Islamabad because they believed the government there was secretly aiding the Taliban in Afghanistan.

As per the group, the US in the past had linked the Pakistan relationship to Afghanistan or Islamabad's historic rival India, but it should now avoid looking at it through the lens of China.

Instead, it added, by promoting investment from US businesses and others, the US may "help build Pakistan's capacity for transparency and compliance" with regard to Chinese loans and lessen Pakistan's reliance on China.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-debt-reaches-all-time-high-of-31-trillion-by-2029-interest-payments-may-overtake-defence-expenditure-522565">US' debt reaches all time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure</a>

Pakistan in recent times has forged a close relationship with China, which along with being the world's second-largest economy is seen as Washington's key competitor. It also echoed fears that Beijing may saddle Pakistan which is facing an economic crisis with debt.

"While Pakistan and the US often fail to see eye-to-eye when it comes to Afghanistan, China, or India, they do share mutual interests in seeking stability in the region, combatting the problem of extremism and averting armed conflict in nuclear South Asia," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The key to countering Pakistan's growing reliance on China as per a study group lies in United States' continuing engagement with the south Asian nation. The group which was composed of scholars and former US ambassadors to Pakistan Ryan Crocker, Cameron Munter and Robin Raphel, along with Pakistan's former ambassador in Washington Husain Haqqani, said that investment and climate cooperation are key to the engagement.

The key to countering Pakistan's growing reliance on China as per a study group lies in United States' continuing engagement with the south Asian nation. The group which was composed of scholars and former US ambassadors to Pakistan Ryan Crocker, Cameron Munter and Robin Raphel, along with Pakistan's former ambassador in Washington Husain Haqqani, said that investment and climate cooperation are key to the engagement. Referring to distrust over Afghanistan the group said "Instead of allowing existing differences to define the partnership, it may be time to recognise that both sides need to understand the other's interests so that they can then find a way to work on areas of mutual concern." Watch | US: Job openings fall sharply to 10.053 MN in August, record National debt The United States and Pakistan as per AFP were allies throughout the Cold War, however, American authorities lost patience with Islamabad because they believed the government there was secretly aiding the Taliban in Afghanistan. As per the group, the US in the past had linked the Pakistan relationship to Afghanistan or Islamabad's historic rival India, but it should now avoid looking at it through the lens of China. Instead, it added, by promoting investment from US businesses and others, the US may "help build Pakistan's capacity for transparency and compliance" with regard to Chinese loans and lessen Pakistan's reliance on China. Also read | US' debt reaches all time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure Pakistan in recent times has forged a close relationship with China, which along with being the world's second-largest economy is seen as Washington's key competitor. It also echoed fears that Beijing may saddle Pakistan which is facing an economic crisis with debt. "While Pakistan and the US often fail to see eye-to-eye when it comes to Afghanistan, China, or India, they do share mutual interests in seeking stability in the region, combatting the problem of extremism and averting armed conflict in nuclear South Asia," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As Pakistan, China grow closer, study recommends US should mend ties with Islamabad

Maintaining a relationship with Pakistan seems to remain of interest to the United States. In the latest, according to a recent news report by Dawn, all references to Pakistan have been dropped from a bill that earlier sought to blame Pakistan for aiding the Taliban in taking control of Kabul back in August.

In the US National Defence Act of 2022, it was originally written that the US secretaries of defence and state must certify to a relevant congressional committee that providing "covered support" to Pakistan was in the national security interests of the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-abruptly-cuts-taiwanese-ministers-video-at-summit-for-democracy-2021-436416" hreflang="en">US abruptly cuts Taiwanese minister's video at 'Summit for Democracy 2021'</a>

However, in the amended version, the word "Pakistan" has been struck out and “any country in the near abroad of Afghanistan” has been substituted.

According to the news report, the original text also had additional references to the Taliban's unexpected victory in Kabul. In addition, the original text gave a reference that sought to determine the role Pakistan played in this. The amended version does not mention either of these references.

Despite this, the act contains a condition that probes the effects and causes of the US withdrawal. Instead of mentioning a particular country, it suggests the creation of a commission to study Afghanistan's immediate and distant neighbours' roles in this regard.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talks-with-pakistan-on-counterterrorism-measures-to-continue-says-us-wendy-sherman-419349">Talks with Pakistan on counterterrorism measures to continue, says US' Wendy Sherman</a>

In another indication of the US's continued interest in maintaining, at least, a working relationship with Pakistan came earlier this month, when the Biden administration invited Islamabad to its inaugural democracy summit in Washington on December 9 and 10.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan factory manager's tragic death in Sialkot seems to have intensified concerns about the security situation in Pakistan as American officials become more secretive about official US visits to Pakistan.

An American Senate delegation visited Pakistan soon after the lynching of Sri Lankan factory manager Priyantha Kumar on Dec 3.

In their meeting with Imran Khan on Saturday, the delegation expressed their desire to maintain friendly relations with Pakistan.

Watch |&nbsp;Days after TTP ends ceasefire agreement, steady rise in attack on Pakistan's security forces

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News of their arrival and meetings in Islamabad came out after the delegation had already left, apparently at the direction of the US.

Pakistan has been a concern for the United States and other Western nations since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but Washington had over time slowly eased up. &nbsp;

In fact, US officials had begun talking about future Pakistan visits, although schedules were not announced. However, after the tragedy in Sialkot, the Americans seem to have reverted to their old practice of talking about a Pakistan visit only after the event has ended.

Maintaining a relationship with Pakistan seems to remain of interest to the United States. In the latest, according to a recent news report by Dawn, all references to Pakistan have been dropped from a bill that earlier sought to blame Pakistan for aiding the Taliban in taking control of Kabul back in August.

Maintaining a relationship with Pakistan seems to remain of interest to the United States. In the latest, according to a recent news report by Dawn, all references to Pakistan have been dropped from a bill that earlier sought to blame Pakistan for aiding the Taliban in taking control of Kabul back in August. In the US National Defence Act of 2022, it was originally written that the US secretaries of defence and state must certify to a relevant congressional committee that providing "covered support" to Pakistan was in the national security interests of the United States. Also read | US abruptly cuts Taiwanese minister's video at 'Summit for Democracy 2021' However, in the amended version, the word "Pakistan" has been struck out and “any country in the near abroad of Afghanistan” has been substituted. According to the news report, the original text also had additional references to the Taliban's unexpected victory in Kabul. In addition, the original text gave a reference that sought to determine the role Pakistan played in this. The amended version does not mention either of these references. Despite this, the act contains a condition that probes the effects and causes of the US withdrawal. Instead of mentioning a particular country, it suggests the creation of a commission to study Afghanistan's immediate and distant neighbours' roles in this regard. Also read | Talks with Pakistan on counterterrorism measures to continue, says US' Wendy Sherman In another indication of the US's continued interest in maintaining, at least, a working relationship with Pakistan came earlier this month, when the Biden administration invited Islamabad to its inaugural democracy summit in Washington on December 9 and 10. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan factory manager's tragic death in Sialkot seems to have intensified concerns about the security situation in Pakistan as American officials become more secretive about official US visits to Pakistan. An American Senate delegation visited Pakistan soon after the lynching of Sri Lankan factory manager Priyantha Kumar on Dec 3. In their meeting with Imran Khan on Saturday, the delegation expressed their desire to maintain friendly relations with Pakistan. Watch | Days after TTP ends ceasefire agreement, steady rise in attack on Pakistan's security forces News of their arrival and meetings in Islamabad came out after the delegation had already left, apparently at the direction of the US. Pakistan has been a concern for the United States and other Western nations since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but Washington had over time slowly eased up. In fact, US officials had begun talking about future Pakistan visits, although schedules were not announced. However, after the tragedy in Sialkot, the Americans seem to have reverted to their old practice of talking about a Pakistan visit only after the event has ended.

Even as Washington tries to maintain friendly relations with Pakistan, its actions indicate concern

Ahead of a change in the US administration, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the country cannot be ignored and strongly believes that no administration can ignore the country. 
 
The Foreign Minister, while speaking to Geo TV, said that a new world is being established out of which new priorities are coming forward. He added that Pakistan and the incoming US administration have a lot of "commonalties". 
 
"Challenges will be there. I`m not saying they won`t be there. We have to face the facts, but I believe Pakistan has a lot to offer," said Qureshi, adding that Pakistan is an important country of the region. 
 
"Pakistan cannot be ignored and I do think that no administration will ignore Pakistan," said Qureshi. 
 
To a question about what Pakistan expects, Qureshi said the people being nominated by President-elect Joe Biden are those who know about Pakistan. He also shared that he had the opportunity to work with them when the Democrats were in power last. 
 
"They understand the region very well," remarked Qureshi. 
 
The foreign minister told the hosts that Biden, during his time as a senator, was a "well-respected" member of the foreign relations committee. 
 
"He has a very clear opinion about Pakistan and South Asia," said Qureshi. He also mentioned that Pakistan and the US have a convergence of interest in Afghanistan. 
 
"There are many areas where the Imran Khan government and Biden government have a common interest," said Pakistan`s top diplomat. He shared examples of climate change and the COVAX initiative.

Ahead of a change in the US administration, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the country cannot be ignored and strongly believes that no administration can ignore the country.

Ahead of a change in the US administration, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the country cannot be ignored and strongly believes that no administration can ignore the country. The Foreign Minister, while speaking to Geo TV, said that a new world is being established out of which new priorities are coming forward. He added that Pakistan and the incoming US administration have a lot of "commonalties". "Challenges will be there. I`m not saying they won`t be there. We have to face the facts, but I believe Pakistan has a lot to offer," said Qureshi, adding that Pakistan is an important country of the region. "Pakistan cannot be ignored and I do think that no administration will ignore Pakistan," said Qureshi. To a question about what Pakistan expects, Qureshi said the people being nominated by President-elect Joe Biden are those who know about Pakistan. He also shared that he had the opportunity to work with them when the Democrats were in power last. "They understand the region very well," remarked Qureshi. The foreign minister told the hosts that Biden, during his time as a senator, was a "well-respected" member of the foreign relations committee. "He has a very clear opinion about Pakistan and South Asia," said Qureshi. He also mentioned that Pakistan and the US have a convergence of interest in Afghanistan. "There are many areas where the Imran Khan government and Biden government have a common interest," said Pakistan`s top diplomat. He shared examples of climate change and the COVAX initiative.

No US administration can ignore Pakistan: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi

Agnisheik Chatterji

United States President Donald Trump&#39;s annual budget proposal to convert grants given to Pakistan into loans will have significant ramifications -- both in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The White House on Tuesday (May 23) said the &quot;Foreign Military Funding for Pakistan may be provided in the form of a loan&quot;, though the Trump administration has let the State Department take a call on it.

If the proposal is implemented, it will be a sharp departure from Washington&#39;s decades-long policy vis-a-vis its aid to Pakistan.

Crucially, the plan coincides with Washington&#39;s deliberation on whether to renew its military presence on Afghan soil.

The impending decision may boomerang on the United States on three fronts, all involving a possible pivot in Pakistan&#39;s foreign policy: Islamabad may shun the US and look to China for its source of aid, escalate its covert militant operations in Afghanistan and scythe its decades-long civilian and military cooperation with Washington.

Although US-Pakistan ties have ebbed and flowed ever since the latter&#39;s creation in 1947, the potential quagmire is likely to undermine the US&#39; geopolitical advantage and be viewed by many as a very expensive failure.

At one point, Pakistan was the third-largest recipient of US assistance -- Washington gave Islamabad nearly $19 billion in aid between 2002 and 2010 and nearly $75 billion since 1951.

And although their partnership has largely served its utilitarian purpose -- during the US&#39; proxy war against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan and its war on terror in the South Asian region in the noughties -- their worsening relations will only indicate that Pakistan has been a black hole for US funds.

A history of mistrust and friendship

Their partnership has been viewed by many as a marriage of convenience.

US&#39; economic assistance to Pakistan peaked in the Cold War-dominated 1960s, while its military aid spiked during the 1980s (Soviet Union) and 2000s (Taliban).

But there have been periods of lull as well. 
&nbsp; 
Washington scrapped its aid during the India-Pakistan wars in 1965 and 1971, and when Islamabad forged ahead with its uranium enrichment programme.

The 9/11 attack in 2001 significantly altered Washington&#39;s South Asia praxis when they decided to give large tranches of aid to Islamabad in their fight to remove the last vestige of Taliban from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Since 2010, the assistance monies have sharply declined and the current administration&#39;s decision to convert future military funding into loans will irk the Pakistani establishment.

Washington&#39;s re-evaluation of its aid programme came in 2008 when the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009, or the Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill, increased accountability of the Pakistan army and lay down strict caveats.

Till then, between 2001 and 2010, there were scant conditions imposed by the US. 
&nbsp; 
Pakistan was now required to certify that they didn&#39;t stockpile its weaponry to augment its military against India. They also had to promise that they had stopped supporting extremist forces and had dismantled terror launchpads.

Washington&#39;s doctrinal shift came amid concerns over Islamabad&#39;s misuse of aid. Reports had emanated about how Pakistan used half the funds to purchase F-16s and anti-missile defence systems.&nbsp;

But Trump&#39;s proposal is a major political gamble for the US.

A glance at their past does suggest that the potential impasse is not unprecedented.

However, China&#39;s rising influence in Pakistan is too close for comfort for the White House. And conversion of grants into loans might unhinge the decades-long bilateral ties.

China has already made its foray in the region, with Beijing signing a massive $54 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, aimed to upgrade and boost the south Asian nation&#39;s infrastructure and economy.

The Afghanistan conundrum&nbsp;

A potential frostiness would also put the US on the back foot in the region.

Pakistan&#39;s importance to the US was underpinned by Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who said that it was &iuml;mperative&quot; for the ties to remain harmonious as it would enhance &quot;the safety of American troops&quot; and success of their Afghanistan mission&quot;.

If Pakistan were to row back on its association with the White House, it would endanger the already-perilous security status in Afghanistan.

This period is even more crucial for the Trump administration as it coincides with them mulling redeployment of 3,000 to 5,000 US troops in Afghanistan.

Currently, there are US troops, but only in an advisory capacity.

But the situation is turning bleak, with Taliban&#39;s annual Spring Offensive blowing considerable holes in the indigenous Afghan security forces.

The Taliban has gradually regained lost ground in Afghanistan ever since NATO troops departed the country&#39;s shores. They currently hold sway over 40 per cent of the war-torn country.

Moreover, the Afghan security forces have been beset by spike in casualty toll, desertion and fragging. A US watchdog said there was a 35 per cent increase in Afghan soldiers and police killed during last year&#39;s Spring Offensive.

Alienating Pakistan at this juncture is likely to backfire on the US as Islamabad has supported the Afghan Taliban over the last few years as a tool to meddle in the internal affairs of their neighbours.

Though Pakistan has denied supporting terror networks, various US-based white papers and senior administrative officials have blamed Islamabad and their intel agency Inter-Services Intelligence of playing a double game.

Washington has pressured Pakistan in the past to crack down on Taliban but their efforts have borne little results.

Several analysts believe Islamabad provides Afghan Taliban safe havens in their country to launch attacks across the Durand Line -- the controversial border that politically separates Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Further, a spurned Pakistan could activate the sleeping cells of the Haqqani network in Pakistan, which could spell further trouble for Afghanistan and the US.

If the US administration is to pull the plug on its aid and convert them into loans, they would lose a crucial ally in Pakistan and further lose ground in Afghanistan.

Calls for stripping aid to Pakistan have grown louder in recent years, but the timing of it would likely erode US&#39; policy in the region. For now, it&#39;s all about the timing.

(WION)

United States President Donald Trump's annual budget has thought of converting grants given to Pakistan to purchase military hardware into loans

Agnisheik Chatterji United States President Donald Trump's annual budget proposal to convert grants given to Pakistan into loans will have significant ramifications -- both in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The White House on Tuesday (May 23) said the "Foreign Military Funding for Pakistan may be provided in the form of a loan", though the Trump administration has let the State Department take a call on it. If the proposal is implemented, it will be a sharp departure from Washington's decades-long policy vis-a-vis its aid to Pakistan. Crucially, the plan coincides with Washington's deliberation on whether to renew its military presence on Afghan soil. The impending decision may boomerang on the United States on three fronts, all involving a possible pivot in Pakistan's foreign policy: Islamabad may shun the US and look to China for its source of aid, escalate its covert militant operations in Afghanistan and scythe its decades-long civilian and military cooperation with Washington. Although US-Pakistan ties have ebbed and flowed ever since the latter's creation in 1947, the potential quagmire is likely to undermine the US' geopolitical advantage and be viewed by many as a very expensive failure. At one point, Pakistan was the third-largest recipient of US assistance -- Washington gave Islamabad nearly $19 billion in aid between 2002 and 2010 and nearly $75 billion since 1951. And although their partnership has largely served its utilitarian purpose -- during the US' proxy war against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan and its war on terror in the South Asian region in the noughties -- their worsening relations will only indicate that Pakistan has been a black hole for US funds. A history of mistrust and friendship Their partnership has been viewed by many as a marriage of convenience. US' economic assistance to Pakistan peaked in the Cold War-dominated 1960s, while its military aid spiked during the 1980s (Soviet Union) and 2000s (Taliban). But there have been periods of lull as well. Washington scrapped its aid during the India-Pakistan wars in 1965 and 1971, and when Islamabad forged ahead with its uranium enrichment programme. The 9/11 attack in 2001 significantly altered Washington's South Asia praxis when they decided to give large tranches of aid to Islamabad in their fight to remove the last vestige of Taliban from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Since 2010, the assistance monies have sharply declined and the current administration's decision to convert future military funding into loans will irk the Pakistani establishment. Washington's re-evaluation of its aid programme came in 2008 when the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009, or the Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill, increased accountability of the Pakistan army and lay down strict caveats. Till then, between 2001 and 2010, there were scant conditions imposed by the US. Pakistan was now required to certify that they didn't stockpile its weaponry to augment its military against India. They also had to promise that they had stopped supporting extremist forces and had dismantled terror launchpads. Washington's doctrinal shift came amid concerns over Islamabad's misuse of aid. Reports had emanated about how Pakistan used half the funds to purchase F-16s and anti-missile defence systems. But Trump's proposal is a major political gamble for the US. A glance at their past does suggest that the potential impasse is not unprecedented. However, China's rising influence in Pakistan is too close for comfort for the White House. And conversion of grants into loans might unhinge the decades-long bilateral ties. China has already made its foray in the region, with Beijing signing a massive $54 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, aimed to upgrade and boost the south Asian nation's infrastructure and economy. The Afghanistan conundrum A potential frostiness would also put the US on the back foot in the region. Pakistan's importance to the US was underpinned by Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who said that it was ïmperative" for the ties to remain harmonious as it would enhance "the safety of American troops" and success of their Afghanistan mission". If Pakistan were to row back on its association with the White House, it would endanger the already-perilous security status in Afghanistan. This period is even more crucial for the Trump administration as it coincides with them mulling redeployment of 3,000 to 5,000 US troops in Afghanistan. Currently, there are US troops, but only in an advisory capacity. But the situation is turning bleak, with Taliban's annual Spring Offensive blowing considerable holes in the indigenous Afghan security forces. The Taliban has gradually regained lost ground in Afghanistan ever since NATO troops departed the country's shores. They currently hold sway over 40 per cent of the war-torn country. Moreover, the Afghan security forces have been beset by spike in casualty toll, desertion and fragging. A US watchdog said there was a 35 per cent increase in Afghan soldiers and police killed during last year's Spring Offensive. Alienating Pakistan at this juncture is likely to backfire on the US as Islamabad has supported the Afghan Taliban over the last few years as a tool to meddle in the internal affairs of their neighbours. Though Pakistan has denied supporting terror networks, various US-based white papers and senior administrative officials have blamed Islamabad and their intel agency Inter-Services Intelligence of playing a double game. Washington has pressured Pakistan in the past to crack down on Taliban but their efforts have borne little results. Several analysts believe Islamabad provides Afghan Taliban safe havens in their country to launch attacks across the Durand Line -- the controversial border that politically separates Pakistan and Afghanistan. Further, a spurned Pakistan could activate the sleeping cells of the Haqqani network in Pakistan, which could spell further trouble for Afghanistan and the US. If the US administration is to pull the plug on its aid and convert them into loans, they would lose a crucial ally in Pakistan and further lose ground in Afghanistan. Calls for stripping aid to Pakistan have grown louder in recent years, but the timing of it would likely erode US' policy in the region. For now, it's all about the timing. (WION)

US' Pakistan aid-to-loan proposal is fraught with danger

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