In the uni-polar world despite china flexing its muscles frequently, when US talks world listens. India is no exception and since the collapse of Russia it has taken pains to be a US ally. Of course, the relation ship is mutually beneficial though certainly not among equals.

India is having a large market, is a stable economy and can be used to somehow to contain china. At the same time, India is kept unsettled with US dalliance with Pakistan which has proved to be treacherous time and again. May be the famous song dunia Ko laat maro dunia salaam kare (You kick them and they will no longer take you lightly holds true.

Like Israel, India is also having a powerful lobby in USA though not of same scale. The fact remains that India has to lean on USA time and again whether to contain Pakistan or for technology or trade. India may be smaller in size but is not a push over minnow as the face off in WTO shows.

Still abrupt removal of Mr Kamal Nath, the commerce minister has more to it than meet the eyes. Whether his talents were required for road building or he was a stumbling block, only high command and minister himself knows. We will know for sure once the WTO negotiations begin. I do feel that Mr Nath could not have acted the way he did without the blessings of 10 Janpath.

Congress has always shared an uneasy relationship with Uncle Sam due to its socials, it’s leanings nuclear deal notwithstanding. Similarly noises about resumption of dialogue with Pakistan without it moving even a millimeter from its position, is apparent. India has scaled down its demands considerably from handing over the culprits to their trial in Pakistan.

Visits of many dignitaries from US and sudden shrill tone of Islamabad completes the jig saw. It will be interesting to see how the events unfold, but India does need a lot of luck and some pluck and hardball bargaining, I do hope that our “Sardar” (PM) and Madam will not let the nation down.
Amen!
Pleases Mr. Karat please do not smirk.