The Indian government reacted harshly to the Sino-American joint statement on South Asia, which included specific remarks on the tension between India and Pakistan after their recent nuclear tests.

They condemned the apparent Sino-American goal of maintaining a supervisory relationship over the region as "hegemonistic" and of a "mentality of a bygone era"

India believes that the U.S wishes to befriend China in hopes of maintaining supremacy over the region through the 21st Century. The Indian government views the U.S relationship with China as hypocritical for numerous reasons including;

Firstly, China is regarded as the source of much of the trouble in SE Asia

Secondly, the U.S reasons for support of China apply equally to India (huge markets, capacity to control nuclear proliferation in the region, potential to help reduce global energy consumption and pollution)

Thirdly, China is not a democracy

Finally, India's nuclear programme should not be restricted by the two powers that maintain a nuclear capability in the region.

There is a possibility that the Indian Government inlight of the Sino-Pak, US-Pak and the recently highlighted US and China relationship, may take some more defensive steps, such as increased attention to and investment in defence, especially in developing new delivery systems, anti-missile systems, aircraft carriers and refurbishing the strength of the Air Force, which is presently limited to two hundred fighter aircraft.

This article is correct to the best of our knowledge as at the time of its publication. However, it is written as a general guide. Therefore specialist advice should be always be sort.

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