But even if no U.S.-Indian mutual-defense treaty ever arises, Washington should solidify its relationship with New Delhi. First, doing so will reduce doubts about U.S. staying power in Asia. China will be more likely to hesitate before challenging America’s regional friends, and those countries will be emboldened to resist China’s bullying. Second, strengthening India economically and militarily will help to contain China, even if those efforts take place independent of America’s. Indeed, the gap between Indian and Chinese power will narrow and India will be better positioned to enhance its neighbors’ military capacities and to lead (or at least co-lead) those smaller countries in balancing China (which, given India’s sensitivity to playing America’s deputy sheriff, New Delhi may prefer over a U.S.-Indian alliance led by Washington).

The Obama-Modi meeting will take place shortly after Xi visits Modi. Obama must take bold steps to show Modi that India’s future is best secured by closer ties to the United States and its partners.        

Paul J. Leaf is a regular commentator on foreign policy and an attorney at an international law firm.