US Support to India through QUAD: Implications for Pakistan’s Security Calculus

Abstract

The United States is supporting India through the Quad initiative in various ways. These include sharing intelligence information, ensuring the protection of classified information, granting permission to use each other’s bases, ports, and land facilities, establishing encrypted lines of communications, integrating defence systems, and granting access to sensitive geospatial, topographical, nautical, and aeronautical data, products, and services. Moreover, the US has shared advanced missiles, helicopters, UAVs, and cutting-edge technology with India. Consequently, India has substantially enhanced its defence capabilities, strengthened its economy, and deepened its diplomacy. India has been utilizing its diplomatic clout and economic might to suppress, malign, and isolate Pakistan on the international stage. These developments have made India stronger than ever before, thereby heightening Pakistan’s sense of insecurity. To address this security dilemma, Pakistan has been deepening its economic and defence ties with China. However, Pakistan faces additional complexities due to the escalating tensions between China and the US, as its defence heavily relies on American-made equipment while China remains a crucial economic and potential defence partner. Navigating through these intricate circumstances poses a major challenge for Pakistan. Key words: Pakistan and India, Quad, South Asia Security, Geostrategic Dilemma, Cutting-edge Technology.