What's in a name? India and America in the twenty-first century

Relations between India and America have always been unsettled. Misunderstanding on both sides reached an apogee with India's 1998 nuclear tests. Despite a significant thaw towards the end of the Clinton administration, relations between the two countries have yet to stabilise, not least because of Indian unease over the post-11 September policies and strategies of the Bush administration, in particular, American support for Pakistan. In fact, the points of friction are more widespread, arising from the very different positions that India and America occupy in the international system. While the differences are not irreconcilable, expectations must be carefully managed. Both sides should work more strenuously to realise the strategic and moral implications of their desired alliance. Failing this, they may inadvertently sow further distrust.