There is near-universal dismay at the drift in the U.S.-India partnership, with most observers viewing it as a strategic blunder by Washington.

A decade from now, there is likely to be heated debate in the United States over ¡°who lost India,¡± an accounting that may rival the ¡°who lost China?¡± conflagration for its capacity to settle scores and disrupt or destroy lives.

Displaying a diplomatic adroitness not often in evidence, China has been quick to exploit the opportunity, promoting a renewed relationship with its neighbor despite clashes between the two countries¡¯ armed forces that left scores of casualties. The pace of India-China rapprochement is set to slow and has limits, but U.S. actions have confirmed suspicions in New Delhi and the stain on its image may prove indelible.