Archive · 13 Sep 2025
Ex-Pak Official Urges US to Rethink India-First Approach
A former Pakistani official, Moeed Yusuf, wants the US to change its approach in South Asia.
He believes the US bet on India as a counterweight to China, but it hasn't worked out.
He suggests the US should work more with Pakistan, like it did in the past.
He thinks Pakistan can help the US work with China and stabilize the region.
He points out recent US frustration with India, like tariffs, and sees opportunities for cooperation with Pakistan.
He thinks Pakistan could be a bridge between the US, China, and maybe even India.
He references how Pakistan helped the US with China in 1971.
Moeed Yusuf advocates for a US strategic shift in South Asia.
He suggests the US focus less on India and more on Pakistan.
Yusuf believes India hasn't fulfilled its role as a US counterweight to China.
He cites US frustration with India's policies, like tariffs.
He sees opportunities for Pakistan to facilitate US-China relations.
- Who
- Moeed Yusuf, former Pakistani official
- What
- Urges US to shift strategic focus in South Asia.
- When
- August (when US imposed tariffs); and referenced 1971
- Where
- South Asia
- Why
- US should rethink its strategy regarding India and Pakistan
- Article Author
- Moeed Yusuf
- Yusuf's Current Role
- Harvard fellow
- Previous Role
- Former national security adviser of Pakistan
- Key Suggestion
- US should engage more with Pakistan
- Historical Reference
- 1971 (Pakistan brokering US-China relations)
- Publication
- Foreign Affairs magazine