From the perspective of the government of India, the ‘American retrenchment’ brings with it some key geo-strategic considerations that New Delhi needs to find answers to
The hard stance of President Trump on ending US presence in endless wars before the jibe at NATO partners asking them to do more for security signifies that Washington is expecting more from its ally's in terms of regional security. Pakistan is already becoming indispensable for Americas Afghan exit.
The Indo-Sino regional power play is an important factor to consider. Although China has never put boots on the ground, it is not afraid to flex its muscles in the IOR. With its rising stakes in the Hormuz strait and new ports like Gwadar on the anvil, Securing the Sea lanes of communication in the face of the Chinese ‘String of Pearls’ becomes difficult
Indias diplomatic manoeuvre of isolating pakistan would lose some steam as pakistan gains strategic space in Afghanistan.
To put it in simple terms, whether India should enter Afghanistan security architecture (and in what capacity) or stay on the outskirts and rather focus on biding its time and build its economic strength is the conundrum.
