While the United States’ alliance with India is, on balance, positive, there are issues that demand immediate attention.

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One of these issues is Kashmir, a territory that both India and Pakistan claim and have already fought two wars over. Although both countries claim to have full rights over Kashmir, the area is globally recognized as “Indian-administered Kashmir” and “Pakistan-administered Kashmir.”

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On August 5, 2019, Modi’s Hindu nationalist government revoked Article 370 of the Indian constitution, a provision that granted autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. Technically, it takes approval by the Jammu and Kashmir constituent assembly for Article 370 to be revoked – which is impossible because the assembly was dissolved in 1956. The United States’ response to this dangerous and volatile situation was embarrassing. Essentially, Donald Trump clumsily forced his way into the conflict between Delhi and Islamabad at a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan in July 2019.

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After the meeting, Donald falsely claimed that Prime Minister Modi had specifically requested his involvement, which led to India’s Ministry of External Affairs releasing a Tweet – the only way Donald Trump would probably see it – that said, “We have seen @POTUS’s remarks to the press that he is ready to mediate, if requested by India & Pakistan, on Kashmir issue.  No such request has been made by PM @narendramodi to U.S. President.” The tweet continued, “It has been India’s consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Shimla Agreement & the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India & Pakistan bilaterally.” This sure seemed like India’s way of saying butt out!

 

In any event, it is in America’s best interest to encourage a resolution on Kashmir between India and Pakistan, as well as demand that the Muslim minority in both Kashmir and India is protected.​