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later with Israel. In both, the ties were broad and deep, going well beyond government officials and diplomatic negotiations. The two countries knew each other and understood each other—and, as a result, became natural and almost permanent partners. Such a relationship between the United States and India is, on some level, almost inevitable. Whether or not the two states sign new treaties, the two societies are becoming increas ingly intertwined. A common language, a familiar worldview, and a growing fascination with each other is bringing together businessmen, nongovernmental activists, and writers. This doesn't mean that the United States and India will agree on every policy issue. After all, Roosevelt and Churchill disagreed about several issues during their close wartime alliance, most notably India's independence, and America broke with Britain over the Suez crisis in 1956. Ronald Reagan, a staunch sup porter of Israel, condemned its invasion of Lebanon in 1978. Washington and New Delhi are big powers with complex for eign commitments and concerns. They have different interests and thus will inevitably have disputes over policy. Also, unlike Britain and America, they have different outlooks on the world. Indian history, religion, and culture will pull it away from a purely American view of the world.
The Hindu Worldview Despite a growing sense of competition, India is actually mov ing closer to China in a certain respect, one that relates to the two countries' entries onto the global stage. India has moved away from the self-righteousness of the Nehru era as well as