[tictoc]

Big advantage of India: too big to be conquered or destroyed by anyone, does not need U.S. to guarantee its existence.

Big liability in India: if ties with U.S. are cut, standard of living plummets, internal conflict shoots up, and country may implode.

[mikeIII]

Big liability in India: if ties with U.S. are cut, standard of living plummets, internal conflict shoots up, and country may implode.

In recent years the Indian economy has opened up to some extent, but it's trade with the US is still miniscule to have any serious effect on it's economy (Unlike China's). Mrs. Gandhi made sure the Indian economy stayed poor, but independent.