Look at China's example, they wouldn't have been taken seriosly if they bowed down to US. When US left Phillipines to deal with China alone, there was an article of China's victory on US. It didn't matter when China bullied other SCS countries as they are already considered no threat to China.
If you want to be taken seriously and as a regional power, first you have to take on the most strongest rival, that is, China not Pakistan. If India can subdue China's aggressive policy and extend its influence in SCS and the countries there, neighbors like Bangladesh, Srilanka etc will admit the India's power.
Pakistan is an important aspect of our regional policy, no doubt, but it means nothing to eastern and southern neighbors. Pakistan is held at west of India, nothing more.
China is at the center of our policy.
Its a known fact, to gain respect, stand against the toughest guy in the region, rest will accept your strength.