Ambition and Chinese hostility pushing India closer to US

London

INDIA under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a once-in-a-generation opportunity for reorienting ties with the United States. Mr Modi last week undertook his fourth visit to the US since taking office and his last engagement with the Obama administration. For President Barack Obama, strengthening US-India ties is an achievement in an otherwise underwhelming foreign policy track record, and the two men have developed personal rapport. Both would like to institutionalise this rapport so that long-term sustainable outcomes can be achieved.

Even as Mr Modi reinforces his credentials as the politician best placed to move forward not only Indian economic reforms but also Indo-US ties, he must address concerns in the US polity about India's record on religious tolerance, as well as on economic issues such as protection of intellectual property and high tariffs. There is a strong bipartisan commitment in Washington for the issue and Mr Modi cannot let that waiver.