Commits troops for open-ended war

The new U.S. strategy for South Asia, unveiled by President Donald Trump on Monday night after months of deliberations, has many old elements, but in a departure from the past, it commits troops in Afghanistan for an open-ended period of time.

The policy also sets the stage for a new wave of U.S. offensive against Islamist forces in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Pentagon and NATO allies are redrawing their operational plans in America’s longest war that began in 2001, and an increase in troop levels is expected soon.

Describing India as “a key security and economic partner of the United States,” the President said America would further “develop its strategic partnership with India — the world’s largest democracy.” He also urged India to play a larger role in providing economic and development assistance to the war-torn Afghanistan.

In another component of his South Asia policy that pleases India, he said America would no longer tolerate Pakistan’s policy of harbouring terrorists.