Renaming Of US Pacific Command Reflects Shift In Strategic Priorities: Speakers
Published: August 27, 2026 | Time: 01:40 PM
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 27th Aug, 2026) The renaming of the US Indo-Pacific Command as the US Pacific Command reflects a shift in Washington’s strategic priorities and indicates that India may no longer hold a central position in US grand strategy in the region, said experts at a discussion organized by the Consortium for Asia-Pacific and Eurasian Studies (CAPES).
Discussion Details
The discussion, titled "From Indo-Pacific Back to Asia-Pacific: Rethinking India’s Place in US Grand Strategy", was held at the CAPES office. It brought together academics and students from Pakistan and Indonesia.
Key Takeaways:
- The change in nomenclature from US Indo-Pacific Command to US Pacific Command signifies a shift in US strategic priorities, said Dr. Saira Aquil, Vice President of CAPES.
- Previously, India held a central position as a counterweight to China, but the recent reversal indicates that the US no longer considers it a key pillar of its Asia-Pacific strategy.
- This change is partly due to India’s pursuit of self-interest, raising concerns about its reliability as a regional partner.
- The US withdrawal of strategic assets from the region further underscores this policy shift.
- Pakistan, positioned at the crossroads of major conflict theaters, can leverage its unique position for greater geopolitical influence.
Dr. Aquil also noted:
- The erosion of the ideological bond between India and the US due to India’s turn towards the far-right has negatively impacted India’s image in US policy circles.
