• And you expect that the next Congress will ratify it?

Yes, and then it will be interesting to see what position India takes with regard to the CTBT and the FMCT.

• If India were then to go along with the mainstream, it eases the movement on so many aspects of our relationship?

Yes is the short answer. I certainly look forward to the day when the nuclear issue in its avatars, shall we say, does not preoccupy Indians and Americans as much as it does.

• I know you try to argue that one mustn’t presume that you will be in the next administration and dealing with India, but you will be doing something in the next administration if it is a Democratic one. Tell us, what can we expect from American politics next year?

Let’s not waste any time on my career prospects: I have the best imaginable job for me at this stage in my life. Coming to the second part of your question, here is a prediction that can be made with confidence: The next President will be one with a demonstrated proclivity of reaching across the aisle, working on a bi-partisan basis with the other party, and somebody who is committed to the centrality of the U.S.-Indian bilateral relationship. I think Indians can all be confident that there will be continuity and a continued commitment to this bilateral relationship.

• Strobe, we know about Hillary Clinton, but little about Obama. There are some concerns regarding him in India. What is it that we need to understand about him?

... contd.