India, U.S.: A Civilian Nuclear Long Shot

U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns arrived in New Delhi, India, on May 31 for two days of talks over a pending bilateral civilian nuclear cooperation agreement. Though cautious optimism exists all around that this stagnated nuclear deal will see a big breakthrough, Washington already appears to be preparing New Delhi for disappointment by giving quiet assurances that the United States is still firmly committed to pursuing a strategic partnership with India even if the nuclear deal falls through.