In search of a better China policy, 'the White House saw the need to hedge against China, it looked to Russia,' he says suggesting that's what the president's trip to Moscow this month was all about.

'Clinton's concept of siding with another large democracy seems much more attractive - and sustainable. Most important, the US and India share values,' Chang said.

'Moreover, Washington and New Delhi have common geopolitical interests in that both are threatened - albeit in different ways - by an assertive Beijing. There are, however, areas of disagreement between the US and India.

'Finally, there is India's twin, the troubled nation of Pakistan,' Chang said.

'The US cannot afford to make Islamabad an adversary just to please New Delhi, but the US needs to rebalance its unsuccessful Pakistani policies in any event and that rebalancing will inevitably please India.

'In short, there is no issue that prevents Americans and Indians from joining together in a durable partnership,' the author concluded.

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)