But others believe Washington's pressure for restraint has never been more necessary. There are, of course, good reasons for visiting India. The country is home to almost one-sixth of humanity, is democratically governed and is slowly emerging as a military and economic force to reckon with in the 21st century. Clinton said this week. He is sure to use his visit to advocate a cap on nuclear weapons development, and faster economic reform.
Some analysts see it as a potential counter to Chinese influence.
Then there's the disproportionate number of Indians in America's most dynamic industry information technology. Such considerations have not, it can be noted, persuaded any Australian prime minister since Bob Hawke to visit India, and the last US president to visit was Jimmy Carter in 1978.