India's Afghan role will be less than Pakistan fears

Subject

Indian policy on Afghanistan.

Significance

India features prominently in the US strategy on Afghanistan articulated by President Donald Trump in August 2017. The United States views India as a 'strategic partner' and wants it to support the Afghan state. US support for Kabul fits with India's desire for a more even balance of power between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Impacts

• Pakistan will blame India and Afghanistan for its domestic insurgency problems.
• Islamabad will try to make a reduced Indian presence a condition for better relations with Kabul.
• Russia and China will watch India's actions warily as they position themselves closer to Pakistan.