Just a few years ago, Pakistan would have dominated any conversation between an Indian prime minister and an American president. During President Obama’s visit to India this week for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, the two no doubt spent significantly more time discussing their shared geopolitical challenge in China. In managing relations with Beijing and deepening security ties across the Indo-Pacific, New Delhi and Washington can help each other help themselves.
Four months after Mr. Modi’s visit to Washington, Obama came to India as the first U.S. president to make two visits to the country while in office and the first American “chief guest” at India’s Republic Day celebrations. While the visit was long on symbolism and enthusiasm, as evidenced by yesterday’s parade, translating a strategic vision of partnership into concrete cooperation has proven difficult in recent years.
American and Indian leaders often speak about the natural affinities between the two nations, but the U.S.-India relationship has had a tendency to drift. There is therefore a premium on Messrs. Obama and Modi articulating a case for closer ties that is rooted not only in shared values but in common strategic interests.
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