Pakistan, India to be included in Nato PFP

Western defence allies have agreed to include India and Pakistan in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Partnership for Peace (Nato PFP) after concerted persuasion by the US. The arrangement would allow the nuclear rivals to consult the alliance of 19 Western states (Nato) in the event of direct threat to their internal and external security, a credible defence source in Brussels told The News. The Nato PFP is the best practical mode of preparation for states interested in becoming Nato members; however, participation in the PFP does not guarantee any entry into Nato. For those countries that do not aspire to Nato membership, PFP provides a primary link to the alliance.

The US diplomats and Nato leaders, the source indicated, would soon initiate structured discussions with New Delhi and Islamabad on the prospects of Pakistan and India’s inclusion in the Nato PFP. Nato’s discussions with Moscow on this issue are already in progress, the source said.

http://www.nni-news.com/current/main/news-03.htm

This is wise considering the threat that China may pose in the future.

I would actually encourage formation of a Pacific NATO to keep China in check (US, Japan, India, Phillipines, Australia, etc...)