The implications of Indo-US strategic partnership for South Asian security arena: Pakistani elite perceptions and Sino-Pak strategic response

Since early 2000s, the US has actively supported India’s aspirations to become a regional power, aiding in the enhancement of its military capabilities to counter the growing influence of China. After assessing the perceptions of Pakistani elite obtained through interviews, this thesis concludes that the declared US-India strategic partnership has intensified the pulse of nuclear and naval cooperation in South Asia, particularly between Beijing and Islamabad as both the countries are assured that this alliance (Indo-US) seeks to counter them, consequently, they made efforts to reinforce their defense ties to maintain the strategic balance of South Asia.