But to expect that even a Clinton visit is a goal by itself is reminiscent of immature diplomacy and the Indian tendency to sacrifice reality at altar of expectations. There are several areas in which Indo-US relations have been improving. The most significant signal is that both the countries have shown a tendency to consider new ideas and fresh approaches in solving old bottlenecks. This has been a happy augury. This is what US assistant secretary indicated when he told an Indian team that a new chapter is likely to open in the relations between the two countries.
Terrorism is at the top of any agenda for interaction between the leaders of the two countries.
According to a PTI report, ISI has directed all the militant groups that it controls to unleash unprecedented violence in Kashmir on the eve of Clinton's visit to India. What is inexplicable is that the US establishment is prepared to believe the assurance by Gen Musharraf, the Pakistan dictator on ending terrorism and on the basis of the assurance, Clinton may stop over in Islamabad during his India visit. They have told the dictator in no uncertain terms that he would obstruct their activities at the peril of his government. The US is vitally interested in fighting terrorism because these jehadis have declared open war on US too. The American commitment to democracy and democratic principles are subservient to American interests.