India needs to stop assuming that Pakistan has become irrelevant on the world stage. For years, we have believed our growing economic and military strength had sidelined our western neighbour. But recent developments tell a different story. Donald Trump is re-engaging with Islamabad. Russia is building closer ties. China continues its unwavering support. Clearly, Pakistan still matters in global politics, and we must understand why.

The answer lies in three factors that major powers cannot ignore: Pakistan's strategic location, its ability to influence regional conflicts, and its formidable military strength.

Pakistan sits at a crucial crossroads, bordering Afghanistan, Iran, China and India, whilst lying close to Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia. This makes it a natural bridge between South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.

Through Afghanistan, it connects to the resource-rich Central Asian republics -- Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Its naval and air bases offer powerful nations the ability to project force across a vast region. Foreign militaries can use Pakistani territory for operations in Afghanistan or Iran. Though it may sound far-fetched today, China could potentially use Pakistan as a launchpad against India in a future conflict.

The second reason for Pakistan's continued importance is more uncomfortable to acknowledge. It thrives on its capacity to create instability. Indian officials rightly call it a state sponsor of terrorism. Yet paradoxically, this very characteristic keeps the world engaged with Islamabad.

China, Russia and the United States all worry about Pakistan's links........

© Mathrubhumi English