Preparing for a New Team in New Delhi

India’s national election commenced on April 7, running until May 12. On May 16, the results will be announced. While it certainly appears the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to win the most seats and be in a good position to form the next government, nothing is certain in Indian politics. Irrespective of who wins, there will be a dramatic leadership change. Clearly with a BJP-led coalition, we will deal with an entirely new set of leaders. Even if Congress manages to surprise pundits and pull out a win, Prime Minister Singh and Finance Minister Chidambaram will not figure in the Cabinet. Economic policymaking will be left to a new team, and new areas for bilateral economic cooperation will surely emerge. However, judging by the anti-India sentiments prevalent inside the Beltway, the United States is on the verge of making a distinctly bad first impression to the new Indian government.