US and India Friendship Grows

At a time when Democrats tried to convince voters that everyone in the world is against us, it's nice to know that quietly we have more friends than some would have us believe. And what better friend than the second largest country in the world, an emerging democracy and economic power. Who needs France?

OpinionJournal - Extra: "While Europe continues to hold its nose at the decisive triumph of George W. Bush, the Indian establishment is quietly savoring the outcome of the recent elections in America. India and Europe, one might say, have traded places in the global arena. India, once nonaligned, used to be the first to throw stones at Washington on any issue during the Cold War; today, it sees America as a natural ally. Europe, on the other hand, now speaks the language of 'nonalignment,' and holds that nothing is ever right with U.S. foreign policy.

There is a straightforward explanation for India's enthusiasm for the Bush administration. New Delhi has transacted more political business with Washington in the past four years than in the previous four decades. After nearly half a century of estrangement, India and the U.S. rapidly drew closer during the first Bush term. Whether it is the commitment to the war against terrorism or the exploration of missile defense, Mr. Bush has found a partner in Delhi."