If taking Pakistan out of the bilateral equation in March 2005 helped change Indo-US relations, putting it back in might deepen the proposed partnership. To be sure, many in New Delhi would protest vehemently. Having finally got rid of the Pakistan baggage, why on the earth should New Delhi and Washington bring Islamabad back again to the centre of their engagement? For two good reasons.

One, the war on terror in Afghanistan has now boiled over into Pakistan. It is no longer possible to think separately about their futures. The other, the rapidly deteriorating situation in the northwestern parts of the subcontinent is the biggest source of external security threat to both India and the US.

That India and the US have begun to talk seriously about Pakistan and Afghanistan was evident when Bush publicly thanked Dr. Singh for his “inputs” on the regional situation at their meeting last week. Pakistan and Afghanistan also featured prominently in the India-Europe Summit at Marseilles, France. This is no surprise, since European troops are also battling the Taliban and the al Qaida across the Durand Line.

As the US and Europe review their strategy towards Pakistan and Afghanistan, there are many ways in which India could help. Here below is a list of specifics that should figure in the talks with Rice today.

Boosting Afghan military strength: In their joint statement in Marseilles, India and Europe “agreed that strengthening Afghan security and military forces would help in the enforcement of the rule of law”. While India is reluctant to send troops to Afghanistan, it can train the Afghan army, help create its air force, and strengthen its police and paramilitary forces.

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