Major US Geopolitical U-Turn: ‘Indo’ Dropped from ‘Indo-Pacific’ — Did the Biden Administration Yield to Pressure from Pakistan and China? America’s big geopolitical U-turn: ‘Indo’ word removed from ‘Indo-Pacific’, did Biden administration bow under the pressure of Pakistan-China?

A very shocking news is coming out from the diplomatic corridors of the global superpower America, which has surprised the defense and diplomatic experts of the whole world. In a major change in its strategic terminology, Washington has started separating ‘Indo’ from the term ‘Indo-Pacific’. After this step, a debate has erupted in international politics whether America is now underestimating India’s central role in the Asia-Pacific region or the reason behind this is the increasing invisible diplomatic pressure from Pakistan and China. This unexpected change has created a new stir in the security equations of South Asia.

What is the real reason behind this new diplomatic move of America?

Geopolitical analysts believe that this step of America can have many deep economic and strategic implications. For some time now, cooperation between Pakistan and America at the military and intelligence level has been seen increasing again, which is also being seen as an American effort to balance China. Pakistan has been continuously objecting that the terminology ‘Indo-Pacific’ makes it seem as if only India has authority or influence over this entire maritime area. Changing or relaxing this term is being seen as a diplomatic attempt by the US to give a new dimension to its relations with Pakistan and China.

What will be its impact on India’s strategic interests and Quad alliance?

After efforts to reduce the reference to India (Indo) from ‘Indo-Pacific’, the question is now being raised whether the ‘QUAD’ organization of America, India, Japan and Australia will weaken? However, defense experts in New Delhi say that India will always be the most important player due to its geographical location in the Indian Ocean. This changed stance of America will not have any immediate impact on the bilateral defense agreements between India and America, but it clearly indicates that Washington wants to keep its foreign policy very flexible rather than leaving it at the mercy of any one country.

Concern increased in Indian think-tanks and local security circles

After this news from Washington, intensive discussion on this has started between South Block of New Delhi, Defense Ministry and major think-tanks of the country. International affairs experts based in strategic Indian cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata say that India now needs to be more cautious about its dependence on America. The Indian government is already strengthening its naval and military forces under the ‘Self-reliant India’ policy, so that the policy changes of any global superpower do not affect the country’s sovereignty and maritime security.