Why India and the U.S. Need Each Other

As United States secretary of state Hillary Clinton sat across the table from Indian foreign minister S.M. Krishna on the morning of July 19, among the first things she said was to explain why she loved coming to India. She said India was one place where she felt “energised” by new ideas and skilful analysis of Indians on critical global issues. She also voiced her sadness at the imminent departure of India’s ambassador in Washington, Meera Shankar, who’s due to retire in July-end. Then, promptly turning to foreign secretary Nirupama Rao, due to take over from Shankar, Hillary said, “I am happy to see a woman replace another woman.”