I think its pretty simple - when you compare an F1 sports car you compare it to a ferrari, when you compare a soccer player you compare him with Maradonna/Pele. USA is currently the most dominant country and probably the country doing best today (debateable), hence logically comparisions are made to it.

Yes if China does become the World leader, then we will compare it with China. But many still do compare India with china, because China is the dominant country in Asia.

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Hi Guys,
I feel Vajpayee is taking a good risk gambit to have peace with Pakistan. We are lucky to have person like stature of Vajpayee in India. As it need guts to continue speak peace while one keep on stabbing in the back? Pakistan is sounding good mostly because of the US pressures. This is a petty open secret. May be the part of Pakistan establishment have realized that continuous obsession on Kashmir give rise to jingoism in the society. That in turns hurts the establish class only as can be seen with rise of hard-line politician .As Musharaf is talking about having a jihad on ultras. Good he speaks. If he acts so ,will be known only in May/June when the snow melts in Kashmir valley.
I also feel the rise of India economic power also plays role melting the ice with all SAARC members as everybody looks for a part in this economic zone. So there is talk of common currency SAR. Pakistan is sending members of IT persons to participate in the NASSOM meeting in India ( IT meet) to learn more on outsourcing model that India present.
India also wants to look out of this south Asia to have its influence Peripheral more. As one can seen in the single 3 billion dollars Glasgowe defense deal with Russia. This will enable India’s air force & naval influence to larger limits.
US will also keep India in good looks. As it seen her as local police person with possible check on China. Not only this, India is good supply of doctors, teacher, nurses, and skilled IT professional for aging west. Even they want people for military service as can be seen of series various joint military exercise.
So in all, India as a global back office center coupled with growing economic power is liked by everybody including archrival Pakistan. May this Good thinks keep on going...

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