Bush win may strengthen India-US economic ties

Bush regime would be 'reassuring' for US firms seeking to invest in India, writes Kiran Bharthapudi.

With President Bush remaining in the White House there is a genuine optimism among the officials and commentators that it will help in strengthening bilateral relations between India and the United States.

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According to Lalit Mansingh, former Indian Ambassador to Washington, Bush re-election will mean that on the economic front, there will be a progressive relaxation on the US export of sensitive technology. He points out that Kerry would have been less focused on bilateral relations with India.

With Bush retaining the Presidency, 'the India-US strategic partnership will move into Phase II and beyond, based on rising levels of trust on both sides. A friendly Republican Administration will be reassuring for US companies seeking to invest in India', the former Ambassador adds.

Shibi Alex Chandy, the commentator for the Indian American publication, News India-Times, says that with Bush re-elected, he will invite Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington in 2005 and may potentially visit India, as he indicated in his deliberations with the Prime Minister earlier in September this year.