The recent naval exercises between the United States and Pakistan in the Arabian Sea are a testament to a relationship that is both complex and enduring. Despite a history marked by suspicion and mistrust, the two nations have found common ground in their shared security concerns, particularly regarding terrorism and regional stability. These joint military efforts, aimed at enhancing maritime interoperability, offer a glimpse into the pragmatic approach that drives this strategic partnership.
The exercises, conducted in October 2024, involved the USS O’Kane and Pakistan Navy Ship Babur. They focused on improving readiness, countering terrorism, and ensuring freedom of navigation in key international waters. This collaborative effort, part of a broader series of military exercises, reflects the commitment of both nations to regional peace and stability. The ongoing partnership, particularly in areas like maritime interdiction and mine countermeasures, underscores the critical role the navies play in maintaining order in the region.
These naval drills come at a time when the US is recalibrating its foreign policy in light of rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with China and Russia. Despite these global shifts, Pakistan continues to be seen as a valuable partner, particularly in the US 5th Fleet’s area of operations, which spans the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean. The broader context of these exercises reveals a pattern of cooperation that extends beyond mere military engagement. Earlier in 2024, the two countries participated in Inspired Union 2024, a four-day military exercise in Karachi that focused on maritime interdiction, explosive ordnance disposal, and harbor security. Other collaborations, like the Infantry Rifle Company Exchange, which focused on counterterrorism in urban settings, emphasize the shared security concerns that bind the two nations together.
This collaboration reflects a broader military relationship that has weathered significant ups and downs. From Cold War-era alliances aimed at containing Soviet influence to post-9/11 cooperation in the War on Terror, US-Pakistan military ties have been shaped by shifting geopolitical imperatives. Although tensions have arisen, particularly over Pakistan’s alleged support for Taliban factions, military cooperation has remained a cornerstone of the relationship, with both countries recognizing the strategic value of working together on security issues.
However, the relationship between Washington and Islamabad is still marked by suspicion and caution. The US has long harbored concerns over Pakistan’s nuclear ambitions and its dual dealings with militant groups like the Taliban, which have strained bilateral trust. The 1985 Pressler Amendment, which curtailed US aid due to Pakistan’s nuclear program, is a stark example of how strategic concerns can lead to a rift in relations. Despite these lingering concerns, the need for counterterrorism cooperation, especially following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, has kept security ties afloat. Pakistan’s geographic location, with its long border with Afghanistan, makes it a crucial partner in regional stability efforts. The US continues to engage with Pakistan on security issues, providing military aid and conducting joint exercises, even as it keeps a wary eye on Islamabad’s broader geopolitical moves.
The evolving global power dynamics, particularly the US focus on countering China’s influence, have added a new layer of complexity to US-Pakistan ties. The Biden administration’s National Security Strategy (NSS) emphasizes the importance of building alliances in the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s growing clout. Pakistan, with its close relationship with China, has become a key factor in Washington’s regional calculus. Pakistan’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its deepening economic ties with Beijing have raised concerns in Washington. While the US seeks to balance its relationship with Pakistan, it must also navigate the broader geopolitical implications of Pakistan’s growing alignment with China. Nonetheless, the US recognizes the importance of maintaining military and security cooperation with Islamabad, particularly in areas like counterterrorism and regional stability.
The recent naval exercises are a reflection of a pragmatic approach from both sides. Despite suspicions, both the US and Pakistan recognize the mutual benefits of military collaboration. For Washington, engaging with Pakistan helps counter terrorism, maintain stability in the volatile South Asian region, and safeguard maritime routes critical to global trade. For Islamabad, continued US military support bolsters its defense capabilities and provides a counterbalance to its reliance on China. The US continues to provide military aid to Pakistan, as demonstrated by the $450 million F-16 sustainment package approved in 2022. Additionally, the renewal of the Communication Interoperability and Security Memorandum of Agreement (CIS-MOA) signals a fresh momentum in defense ties, allowing Pakistan to acquire sophisticated military hardware from the US.
The future of US-Pakistan military relations remains uncertain, shaped by both longstanding concerns and new geopolitical realities. As the US shifts its focus from counterterrorism to great power competition with China and Russia, Pakistan’s role in this new strategy will be critical. The naval exercises and joint military collaborations demonstrate that despite the challenges, both nations see the value in maintaining strong defense ties. However, much will depend on how both sides manage their broader geopolitical interests. Pakistan’s close relationship with China will continue to be a point of concern for Washington, while Islamabad will seek to balance its ties with both superpowers. In this delicate balancing act, military cooperation remains one of the few areas where the US and Pakistan can continue to find common ground.
