Bidens world

In an important outreach to Europe and the world,US Vice President Joe Biden unveiled at Munich this weekend the broad contours of Washingtons new foreign policy framework. Biden signalled the new administrations commitment to implement a lot of what President Barack Obama has promised a change in tone,an open ear,and acting in concert with others on all major issues. Biden expanded on many of Obamas diplomatic themes negotiations with Iran under certain conditions and a positive engagement with the Islamic world. Biden also promised that the example of Americas unrivalled power will be matched by the power of its example. Put simply,America is ready to abide by the rules that it would like others to follow.

It is Bidens formulation on Afghanistan,however,that New Delhi would want to pore over as it prepares to receive the US Special Envoy to South Asia,Richard Holbrooke,later this week. Declaring that the rapidly deteriorating situation in the borderlands between Pakistan and Afghanistan threatens everyone in the world,Biden said the US will come up with a new strategy in the next few months and has invited suggestions from all friends and allies. If New Delhi has any ideas on how the world might deal with the challenges in Afghanistan and Pakistan,now is the time to put them across.

As expected,Biden pressed the NATO allies to do more in Afghanistan. Whatever might be their effectiveness,the Europeans are likely to step up to the plate in Afghanistan. Far more consequential,however,has been Bidens open quest for a deal with Moscow. He promised to end the recent drift in US-Russian relations,acknowledged Moscows foresight in warning against the return of al-Qaeda and the Taliban,and called for Russian cooperation in fighting against the common enemy. Moscow is fully aware of its leverage in Afghanistan developing alternative supply routes for the international troops and reducing American dependence on Pakistan. As Moscow demands concessions in return,Biden signalled American readiness to bargain. While Washington and Moscow might not agree on everything,Biden said there was considerable common ground that the two sides could build on. A US-Russian détente would serve Indias long-term interests in Afghanistan and make it easier for New Delhi to pursue a range of other objectives. India must therefore do all it can to promote the Russo-American détente and encourage both sides to press the re-set button.