ABSTRACT
The war in South Asia in 1971 resulted in a major restructuring of power in the region, raising India to a position of preeminence in the subcontinent and consequently making it an important middle power. The overwhelming lesson that the international system, more accurately, the great powers, has taught India over the period since independence is the priority of realpolitik in international politics. India's major strength lies in its defensive capabilities. India's current foreign policy posture would seem to flow out of an appreciation of the nature of its capabilities. Regardless of the Soviet support of Indian interests, India continued to yearn for a lessening of dependence on the USSR, a dependence that had developed as a reaction to American policy. The intention is to analyze the American posture toward India in its new role as the preeminent power in the subcontinent, first during the Nixon-Ford regime and then under the Carter Administration.
