ABSTRACT
The structure of Soviet involvement and commitment in South Asia could change because of several possible developments. Soviet interests in South Asia are largely indirect, and derived from its more important conflict with the People's Republic of China (PRC). India is one of the few countries with a live border with China, and could be vitally important to the Soviet Union in case of a major conflict with the PRC. Pakistan isa state with a three-front security problem. The threat from India originated in the partition of British India in 1947. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan came as a considerable surprise to India, which had not been told in advance of Soviet intentions. Compounding India's embarrassment, the first public statement on the problem by the new government of Indira Gandhi had to be retracted. Moscow would obtain a foothold in Pakistan itself either directly, or through client states along the Afghan border.
