THE recent imposition of sanctions by the United States on Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC) and associated entities, juxtaposed with its bolstering of India’s military capabilities, underscores a glaring double standard in US foreign policy.

This divergence not only put strains on relations with a longstanding ally, but also raises questions about the consistency and strategic foresight of American diplomacy.

The inconsistency in US foreign policy often results in remorseful reappraisals. The destabilisation of Iraq led to wides-pread recognition of the policy’s flaws, as did the unintended consequences of US involvement in Afghanistan. Such outc-omes reveal a lack of long-term strategic vision, with actions driven by immediate gains rather than enduring partnerships.

In the current context, Washington’s differential treatment of Pakistan and India is stark. While sanctioning Pakistan over its missile development programme, the US has almost simultaneously enha-nced India’s military capabilities through various agreements.

As such, this preferential treatment exacerbates regional power imbalances and conveys a message of selective par-tnership, undermining the principles of equitable diplomacy.

The broader implications of such policies are evident in the global perception of American diplomacy. The US risks being seen as an opportunistic power, willing to forsake allies once their immediate utility diminishes.

This perception not only undermines trust among current allies, but also deters potential partners from aligning with American interests. A reorientation towards consistent and inclusive diplomacy can prevent regrets in the future.

Majid Burfat
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2025