[PeaceCorpsGuy]

Interesting. Been to India a few times and they clearly are very pro-US though historically the US has had stronger relations with Pakistan and the former Soviet Union was a bigger supporter of India.

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[Dajjal]

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[spetznaz]

Some day we will have to really make the Indians happy. We may think that currently we need Pakistan (who are at best extremely questionable allies), but someday we will realize what the Russians came to understand some time ago. India is a necessary buffer against growing Chinese dominance. In geo-political and military terms India is a vital peg in ensuring China is at least stabilized to some extent.

Think about it. Russia invests heavily in India since it has a huge strategic interest in a powerful India (the Siberian region in Russia is a huge magnet for China. China claims Russia annexed the region, and the Russians have a border issue that makes our Mexican immigration situation seem tiny in comparison). At the same time the Israelis are investing heavily in India's military and intelligence industry (since India is their partner in the war against terrorism and knows the ravages of terror well).

However what are we doing? Being codly with a Pakistan that has mroe anti-US sentiment than all of the Sunni Triangle distilled, and is a fester of terrorist sympathy and a Jihadi breeding ground. Why? So they can 'help' us in our war against terror.

Some day we will need a true ally in the region, and we will have to turn to India. It will be interesting to see how Powell (or whoever is in his position then) will explain to Delhi why he duped them into thinking everything was well only to offer a non-member NATO ally position to Pakistan. Some day we will realize who are true allies are and which nations only want to appear to be helping us.

I hope that when that day comes it is not too late.

[Fenris6]

I've never understood why do not court and cultivate a better relationship with the world's largest Democracy. India would be an invaluable strategic ally in Asia.

The only reason we have an "alliance" with the Paki's is to help them keep their nukes out of the hands of Islamic Jihad.

[Badeye]

Yep. However, India does in fact want to be a "player" on the world scene. Many are upset with our presence via our navy in the Indian Ocean, for example.