This resource-rich region will succumb to fundamentalist-religious Talibanisation if India and like-minded countries do not pre-empt it. In such an eventuality, American oil corporations will be expelled, particularly with the Chinese gaining ground and occupying positions that could dictate the future agenda in Central Asia.
It is therefore timely for American capitalists to join hands with Indian counterparts in joint ventures.
Create Mutually Beneficial International Alliances
India's 'near abroad' is under unprecedented turmoil. Pakistan is almost split into two states. The Pakistan Army controls one part and the other it ceded to Radical Islam. Pakistan Army appears to be under retreat. In Bangladesh the war between Pakistan backed radical Islam threatens to undermine the present regime.
Maoists in Nepal look up to China. Beijing successfully out manoeuvred New Delhi's influence in latter's backyard. These regimes being authoritarian in one way or the other have more in common amongst themselves than a multi-cultural democratic India.
They are also technology deficit regressive states. Therefore, to preserve its values, India needs to create an international alliance with like minded technologically surplus 'far abroad' to out manoeuvre the inimical intentions of the 'near abroad'.
The international community, including Russia in near future, will be compelled to wage the next Great War against forces of Radical Islam threatening the world at large. As the core of jihad is located in a State wielding nuclear weapons, the evolving scenario appears to be more threatening than witnessed during Nazi Germany. New Delhi's support in the looming next Great War will be a critical element for swift victory for democracies and others.
India's strategy must be to strengthen existing friendly relationships while decisively cementing mutually advantageous new relationships in the favourable geo-political scenario now emerging.
The columnist is the Editor of the Indian Defence Review
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