Now Reading: India losing West Asia ground as Pakistan, China gain
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India losing West Asia ground as Pakistan, China gain
India is losing influence in West Asia as Pakistan gains diplomatic ground, The Hindu reports. In the last four months, the US-Israel war with Iran has escalated, Gulf countries are rethinking security alliances, and Pakistan has stepped in as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict. A recent defence pact in Mecca between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan is seen as aimed at deterring Israel, not Iran, and poses a challenge for India.
ThePrint argues India's assertive foreign policy using leverage cards has been counterproductive, and suggests 'appeasement' as a realpolitik tool. It notes Pakistan is being equipped by Turkey and China, and India faces a growing list of quasi-adversaries including Azerbaijan and Turkey, along with uncertain ties with Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina's ouster.
The South China Morning Post reports China is sidelining India in its neighbourhood through arms sales to Pakistan and economic influence over Bangladesh. Meanwhile, India is pushing a long-delayed military revamp with integrated theatre commands to counter simultaneous threats from China and Pakistan, with the plan submitted to the defence minister last month.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Hindu frames India as passive and losing ground, urging a proactive regional strategy, while ThePrint argues the current assertive approach is failing and advocates 'appeasement' as realpolitik. SCMP's two pieces focus on China's gains and India's military restructuring, presenting India as reactive. The Hindu omits India's military revamp entirely, ThePrint omits Pakistan's mediator role. A balanced read: India faces genuine strategic competition from China and Pakistan, but is also pursuing long-term military and diplomatic adjustments whose effects are yet to be seen. Watch for Cabinet approval of the theatre commands and India's next move in West Asia.
Coverage: 4 sources, 2 government-critical, 2 neutral
Sources (4): thehindu.com (government critical), theprint.in (government critical), scmp.com (neutral report), scmp.com (2) (neutral report)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 4 sources linked above. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 4 sources.
