In contrast to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi鈥檚 in September, which appeared to be something of an anticlimax for yielding few concrete results, U.S. President Barack Obama鈥檚 quick trip to India this week has seen progress in many important areas. In retrospect, it appears that Modi鈥檚 visit helped create a warm bond between the two leaders, evident when Modi broke protocol to personally greet Obama at the airport upon his arrival. The two leaders鈥� personal rapport has clearly facilitated dialogue to overcome past grievances in the bilateral relationship.
From being primarily a short-term transactional relationship, as critics have long complained, U.S.-India ties have begun to focus on achieving long-term mutual gains. U.S. policy aims to boost India in general, with a long-term expectation of payoff in terms of balancing China, enhancing regional security and promoting economic ties. put it, Washington recognizes 鈥渢hat India鈥檚 rise is also in the interest of the United States, regional and global stability, and global economic growth.鈥� For its part, India seeks energy and security assistance as well as other benefits. ...