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The US intelligence community told lawmakers on Wednesday that it fears an increase in tension between India and Pakistan and India and China with the possibility of conflict between them. He also noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely to respond to Pakistani provocations with military force than in the past. This assessment is part of the annual US Intelligence Community Threat Assessment that was presented to the US Congress by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence at a congressional hearing.
While India and China have engaged in bilateral border talks and settled border points, relations will remain tense after the deadly confrontation between the countries in 2020, the worst in decades, according to the report.
The expanded military postures of India and China along the disputed border increase the risk of an armed confrontation between two nuclear powers that could pose direct threats to the American people and interests, and calls for American intervention. Past clashes have shown that persistent low-level friction in the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has the potential to escalate rapidly, he said.
According to the report, the India-Pakistan crises are of particular concern because of the risk of an escalating cycle between two nuclear weapon states. New Delhi and Islamabad are likely to reinforce the current calm in their relations after the two sides renewed a ceasefire along the Line of Control in early 2021.
“However, Pakistan has a long history of supporting militant anti-India groups, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely to respond to actual or perceived Pakistani provocations with military force. Perceptions on both sides Rising tensions increase the risk of conflict, with violent riots in Kashmir or a militant attack in India as potential flashpoints,” he said.
In response to a question, State Department spokesman Ned Price said the US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue provides an "opportunity for the United States to demonstrate its willingness to work with Pakistan" to address terrorist threats and counter violent extremism, threats that affect the region. threats that have the potential to transcend the region as well.
"We have a common interest in countering threats to regional security. The goal of a stable and secure South and Central Asia, free of terrorism, depends in large part on the strength of our partnership with Pakistan. The dialogue demonstrates our shared commitment to a resilient region". security relationship and an opportunity for a frank discussion about steps we can take together to counter all terrorist groups that threaten regional and global stability," he said.
“The United States is looking to expand our partnership to address these challenges. Any group that threatens regional and global stability is, of course, a concern for us. That's something we've discussed as part of this dialogue against terrorism," Price said.
