IF WE were in Washington, this piece wouldn't be written. There wouldn't be a special issue of a leading newsmagazine on an Indian Prime Minister's visit. And there wouldn't be such a fuss over what every gesture means. But this is New Delhi, and US President Barack Obama is on a State visit. He is only the sixth American president to do so and he comes when India and the US are taking baby steps towards each other. India is tentatively entering the Second World, looking for reassurance at every corner that it belongs there. The US is being drained into the Second World, wondering at each turn how its strength is ebbing so fast.
