Dubbing India a “geopolitical ally” and “strategic trading partner” of the United States, the Republican Party’s election manifesto has lauded the country for earning “a position of leadership not only in Asia but throughout the world”.
The document that also calls for a beneficial “working relationship” with Pakistan and securing its nuclear arsenal comes down hard on China over its military expansion and its “preposterous claim to the entire South China Sea”.
“India is our geopolitical ally and a strategic trading partner. The dynamism of its people and the endurance of their democratic institutions are earning their country a position of leadership not only in Asia but throughout the world,” said the document, called Republican Platform 2016.
Released on Day 1 of the party convention in Cleveland, the platform calls upon New Delhi to “permit expanded foreign investment and trade, the key to rising living standards for those left out of their country’s energetic economy”.
“For all of India’s religious communities, we urge protection against violence and discrimination,” said the document, which lauded the contributions made to the United States by people of Indian origin.
Turning to Pakistan, the platform noted that “conflicts in the Middle East have created special political and military challenges for the people of Pakistan”.
“Our working relationship is necessary, though sometimes difficult, benefit to both, and we look towards the strengthening of historic ties that have frayed under the weight of international conflict,” it said, noting: “This process cannot progress as long as any citizen of Pakistan can be punished for helping the war on terror.”
“Pakistanis, Afghans, and Americans have a common interest in ridding the region of the Taliban and securing Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal,” the document said, adding: “that goal has been undermined by the current (Obama) Administration’s feckless treatment of troop commitments and blatant disregard of advice from commanders on the ground, particularly with regard to Afghanistan.” “A Republican president will work with all regional leaders to restore mutual trust while insisting upon progress against corruption and the narcotic trade that fuels insurgency,” it asserted.
Dealing with China, the platform accused Beijing of abruptly reversing the liberalization policies of recent decades and instead resorting to a military expansion.