Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi is visiting to the United States at the end of this month to attend the annual meeting of United Nations General Assembly. Along with this meeting, he is also scheduled to meet President Obama, a crucial encounter in the annals of the bilateral relations of these two largest democracies of the world. The convergence of views between these two nations will have far-reaching repercussions on the global scene.

In this context, rising Chinese assertions in the East is a particular cause of concern for Washington as Beijing is not content with its regional hegemon status and aspires to become a global hegemon by surpassing even the U.S. That is why it has resorted to all-around expansion with the help of its awesome and advanced military power, leading to territorial disputes with all the countries of Southeast Asia along with Russia and India. As a consequence, there is considerable strain on the regional balance of power in the East and most countries have taken recourse to strategic alliances with super and major powers like the U.S., Japan, and Australia in their bid to counter the aggressive and expansionist policies of China. The recent strategic pivot of the U.S. towards the East has, in fact, assured all these smaller nation of the region from the looming threat of China. The recent U.S.-Australia military treaty is intended to contain the rising Chinese sphere of influence in the Asia-Pacific region. As the present century is largely said to be that of the East, the overall balance of power relations in this region must remain stable and secure and, for that purpose, the prominent powers of Asia -- China and India -- must have friendly and cordial relations so that the emerging scenario may tend towards peace, prosperity, and stability of the East in the common interest of  humanity upon earth.

Russia parting iways with the policies of the U.S. and NATO is another worry for Washington. Both the hitherto superpowers have had common approaches on international issues particularly since Iraq’s intervention of Kuwait in 1990. But as regards Ukrainian crisis, Iran’s nuclear program, and the Syrian imbroglio, which is burning due to mounting threat Islamic militants Iraq and Syria (ISIS), their honeymoon seems to have ended with bitter acrimony.

It is against this global scenario that Mr. Obama and Mr. Modi are expected to work out viable solutions. Discussion on possible counterterrorism options may figure prominently, besides enlarging the volume of trade and sphere of economic cooperation between them.  India may ask for MFN status for itself. Mr. Modi may also advance India’s candidature for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, along with seeking a strategic alliance including Japan and Australia which can counterbalance rising Chinese influence in the East. Their talks will also focus on the increasing terror menace caused by the ISIS militants in Iraq as both these powers have a common interest in the peace, security and stability of the Middle East and West Asia.

Thus likely expanding bilateral ties between New Delhi and Washington have great potential for peace and prosperity of not only these two sincere friends but for the welfare of humanity as well.