INDO-US STRATEGIC TIES AND INDIA’S PRE-EMINENCE IN SOUTH ASIA

Abstract

India is the leading power in South Asia with the huge territory, population, military power, economic
resources and a higher level of economic and industrial development. India has since its independence
sought to play a leading role in global politics and to become a hegemon in South Asia. Its involvement
in the internal affairs of its smaller neighbours including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka,
Bhutan and the Maldives have been a manifestation of Indian ambitions to play the role of a
policeman in the region. However, India’s hegemonic claims in the region somehow lack legitimacy but
the global hegemon, i.e. the US is on its side apparently. US verbal and practical support to New Delhi
in the last two decades is the source of strengthening Indian aspirations to play the role of hegemon in
South Asia. This paper analyzes how US support has influenced Indian ambitions to become a regional
hegemon in the post-Cold War era