US President Barack Obama has announced that he would release a new national security strategy, updating a similar document he issued in 2010, in which he had described on building “strategic relationship” with India.
“I am writing to inform you of my intent to release a new National Security Strategy in early 2014,” Obama said in a letter sent to the top Congressional leadership.
Obama said that the new strategy will update the vision he provided in 2010 and describe his administration’s national security priorities for the remainder of his term, which ends in January 2017.
“Accordingly, we will submit a broader update on the whole-of-government implementation plan in the spring to reflect this new strategy,” Obama wrote.
In his National Security Strategy of 2010, Obama said he had addressed how his administration would strengthen its global leadership position; end the war in Iraq; disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qaeda; and achieve economic recovery at home and abroad.
“The strategy recognised that we faced a world in transition; that we needed to reposition the US to shape that transition effectively to meet our interests, and that, to be effective, a whole-of-government approach was necessary,” Obama said.
He added that in September 2012, he provided an implementation plan to the Congress. In his 2010 National Security Strategy, Obama had outlined his action for India.
“The United States and India are building a strategic partnership that is underpinned by our shared interests, our shared values as the world’s two largest democracies, and close connections among our people,” the 2010 strategy had said.
“India’s responsible advancement serves as a positive example for developing nations, and provides an opportunity for increased economic, scientific, environmental, and security partnership,” the 60-page document had said.
The 2010 National Security Strategy had described Afghanistan and Pakistan as epicentre of the violent extremism practised by al Qaeda.
It had said the US will foster a relationship with Pakistan founded upon mutual interests and mutual respect.