Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the US's stance during the military situation?
What was the US's stance during the military situation?
Kissinger believed it was easy to tilt towards Pakistan without considering India's actions.
Kissinger believed it was easy to tilt towards Pakistan without considering India's actions.
False
When did the US provide assurances of military support to Pakistan?
When did the US provide assurances of military support to Pakistan?
March 5, 1959, and during Kennedy's administration in 1962.
Nixon's administration desired India to be blamed for the ______.
Nixon's administration desired India to be blamed for the ______.
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What type of aid did the US contemplate for Pakistan?
What type of aid did the US contemplate for Pakistan?
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The US openly supported India's military actions during the conflict.
The US openly supported India's military actions during the conflict.
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What did Nixon believe should be placed on India?
What did Nixon believe should be placed on India?
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The US discussed the plight of the Urdu-speaking minority in ______ at the UN.
The US discussed the plight of the Urdu-speaking minority in ______ at the UN.
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Study Notes
US Geopolitical Strategy
- The US acknowledged the Soviet Union's increased activity in the subcontinent, fearing their influence would benefit China.
- Despite attempting to appear neutral, the US favored Pakistan, demonstrated by Nixon's request for a "tilt" towards Pakistan.
- The US considered cutting off military aid to India while offering economic aid to Pakistan.
- Kissinger struggled with balancing support for Pakistan with the need for equal consideration for India.
US Justification for Supporting Pakistan
- Pakistan invoked a 1959 agreement obligating the US to provide military support in the event of a war.
- Nixon's administration aimed to portray India as the aggressor in the conflict.
- The US criticized India's actions, highlighting their rejection of certain points and placing blame for the outbreak of hostilities on them.
- The US expressed concern for the Urdu-speaking minority in East Pakistan at the UN, calling for peace while simultaneously supporting Pakistan's military actions.
- The US argued that Yahya Khan's military action was a response to India's support of the Mukti Bahini (Bengali independence movement).
US Military Support for Pakistan
- Nixon wanted to avoid direct media attention by supplying weapons to Pakistan through third parties, such as Iran and Jordan.
- To avoid scrutiny, F-5 fighter jets intended for Libya were diverted to Pakistan through Iran.
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Description
This quiz explores the US geopolitical strategy in South Asia during the Cold War, specifically focusing on its relationship with Pakistan and India. It examines the complexities of US foreign policy decisions, including military aid and political maneuvering during regional conflicts. Test your knowledge on how historical events shaped US actions in the region.
