[A-List] Iran-India Pact

["Tariq Mahmood" <zaogir@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Anne,

 

Here is a small information about Iran-India Pact that has reportedly been signed a week before the visi of Iranian President to Delhi.

 

The Pact if it comes off will have very unlikely consequences on relationship in the region. It is difficult to understand its effects on the relationship of Iran, India, Pakistan, Israel and the US.

 

Tariq

 WWW.Janes.com *

http://www.janes.com/security/international_security/news/fr/fr030129_1_n.shtml

 Strategic shift in south Asia

In an effort to garner international support for their side of the endless Kashmir dispute, both India and Pakistan have been doing their best to attract the friendship of the United States since the beginning of the 'war on terrorism'. The US is seen as the only third party that could intervene to solve the Kashmir dispute. While Pakistan holds US President George W Bush's immediate attention, India seemed to be winning the long-term battle, at least until now. We reveal what is going on.

India surprised both Pakistan and the US in the signing of its recent accord with Iran. This strategic agreement, which will allow India the use of Iranian military bases in the event of any outbreak of tensions with Pakistan, affects the future of the sub-continent.

The revelation by India of the pact not only heightens tension in south Asia, but also leaves the US with a dilemma: how to react to India's alliance with Iran, which remains part of the US 'axis of evil'.

The pact was signed a week before the visit of Iran's President, Mahammad Khatami, to India to join the celebrations for India's national day on 26 January. Signed in Tehran by the Indian naval chief and the Iranian minister of defence, the pact marks a complete turnaround by Iran, which used to be a close ally of Pakistan. How the pact fits in with India's defence relationship with Israel is unclear, but the threat this can pose to Pakistan is all too real.

Iran benefits by gaining access to Indian military expertise, which will include upgrades of its fighters, as well as new tanks and artillery. India will also help train the Iranian army and navy. India will be allowed to deploy troops and equipment in Iran during a crisis with Pakistan and gain access to Iranian ports.

It looks very much like an encirclement of Pakistan by India. The pressure on Pakistan's defences would be almost overwhelming. We expect Pakistan to respond. Much will depend on the reaction of the Bush administration.