A slowing Indian economy, policy paralysis in the Indian government, and U.S. domestic distractions have combined to produce a drift in the bilateral relationship that is far more dangerous than the discord provoked by the recent diplomatic spat.

The Mumbai attacks demonstrate that terrorism demands a global response. The best way to address militant groups operating outside Pakistani state control is to promote stable democracy and increased state capacity so the government can dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism in under-governed parts of the country – a project in which both India and the international community have a stake.