The American role in South Asia and the need for regional stability

# Muna Chand

South Asia has always been a region of special importance in the eyes of world powers. Stretching from Nepal, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, to the shores of the Indian Ocean, this region is not only geographically sensitive, it also carries a diversity of cultures, a deep legacy of civilization, and a historical journey of independence. Today, this region has once again become the center of super power competition. As the US seeks to contain China’s rise and China expands its development and cooperation programs towards South Asia, imbalances and challenges in the region have increased. In such a situation, it is imperative for small but historically independent nations like Nepal to draw their guiding force from the patriotic consciousness of their own people.

The US has advanced an Indo-Pacific strategy, the main purpose of which seems to be to balance projects like China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). To support this, it has launched various new initiatives, such as Build Back a Better World (B3W) and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII). While these programs may sound attractive on paper, the question arises as to whether their real purpose is to reduce the decision-making autonomy of regional countries or to weaken relations with China. Thus, when external power competition questions the sovereignty of an independent nation, it is inevitable that patriotic voices will rise.

Nepal’s experience has clearly demonstrated this. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement has brought with it development opportunities as well as political controversies. Nepali society was deeply divided when this aid, in the name of energy and road projects, became a question of independence. We Nepalese must remember that our independence and sovereignty are greater than any economic assistance or external strategic advantage. When patriotic consciousness is strong, we can only address such disputes based on our national interests.

The situation in other countries in South Asia is not easy either. Sri Lanka and Pakistan have suffered serious economic crises due to foreign debt and unbalanced development. These examples show that a small country must pay the price of long-term insecurity when it blindly enters into the competition of great powers. Nepal has the pride of never being colonized by any power throughout its history. To maintain this pride, we must clearly draw the line between our national interests and independence when engaging with a power like China, India, or the United States.

Nepal’s geographical location makes us even more sensitive. Our country, located between two large neighbors, is called “the yam between two rocks”. India’s blockade in 2015 showed us how dangerous it is to depend on a single neighbor. Then Nepal opened an alternative route by signing a transit agreement with China. This move was not just a matter of business, but of our national pride. But external powers viewed it only through the prism of their own competition. In reality, it was an exercise in our freedom, proof that we can create alternative paths according to our needs.

Meanwhile, the US has sought to strengthen its presence in South Asia in the name of security cooperation, military exercises, and democracy promotion. Its activities from the Maldives to Bangladesh are further complicating the regional balance of power. But the biggest challenge for us Nepalis is to achieve economic and technological benefits while preserving the non-alignment policy as directed by our constitution. We should not be drawn into any military bloc or strategic alliance. Our path is non-alignment, balanced diplomacy, and self-reliant development. Defending this path is true patriotism.

SAARC was established for cooperation in South Asia. But the India-Pakistan dispute made it inactive. BIMSTEC has also not been able to be active to its potential. In such a situation, it has become even easier for external powers to make the region their ground of competition. But our nation’s duty is to put our priorities above external pressures. We must reinvigorate regional cooperation to address common issues such as climate change, disaster management, water resources, and poverty alleviation.

Our path is clear: we need strategic autonomy and resilient neutrality. We should accept or reject any external offer based on in-depth study and a clear benefit-cost analysis, not on emotion. A truly patriotic policy is one that does not fall into a debt trap, does not accept foreign interference, and considers our national priorities as paramount.

Both the US and China need to understand that South Asia is not a playground, it is a region created by its own civilization, history, and people’s dreams. Stability and development here are determined not by the will of external forces, but by the decisions of the people here. External assistance is welcome, but it must be tailored to our needs. Attempts to impose binding political or military conditions on us are never acceptable.

The biggest challenge for Nepal and other countries in South Asia today is: How to advance our priorities without rejecting external forces but without succumbing to their pressure? The answer is patriotic consciousness, people’s unity, and strong national leadership. When leadership focuses on the national interest, not on self-interest, then no external force can undermine our sovereignty.

In conclusion, the increased American presence in South Asia is a new reality. But whether it brings stability or instability to the region is also in our hands. If Nepal can move forward while preserving its glorious history, tradition of non-alignment, and non-alignment, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity. Our goal is not to reject external assistance, but rather to use it to further our domestic priorities.

The future of Nepal lies in the hands of the Nepali people, not any foreign power. Our willpower, creativity, and patriotism are our guides. This is the path that will ensure the stability and prosperity of South Asia. Diplomacy guided by patriotic sentiment, independent decision-making, and a people-centered development policy are our true defense.