There are many reasons why India is a natural ally and trading partner for the United States. Its progressive economy, IT and outsourcing prowess, and English language affinity are among them. Most important, India is a fully functioning democracy. Its freedom of expression was on display last week during President Bush's visit. Indian bloggers were quick to voice their thoughts on the summit and related issues. Many praised the growing ties between the United States and India, while others condemned the relationship. Here's a sampling (lightly edited for clarity) from a blog maintained by The Times of India.Independent: India needs investments in the retail, banking, and finance sectors. More investments will bring better infrastructure, which means wider, better roads, clean air, substantial power, etc. Why should we not welcome that, when it's being offered to us on a gold platter? What do you expect, that we refuse these because Bush is unpopular in some parts of world?

Amjad K. Maruf: It is too early for us to rejoice at the fact that the Bush visit has turned out to be in India's favour. First of all, we should know that the so-called historic Nuke deal has just been inked. The agreement has to be ratified by the U.S. Congress, and there is bound to be opposition to it.

Kathakrishnan Malladi: Nations have only interests, not friendships. That India got something very favorable has nothing to do with the fact that Bush is a terrible president. India probably would have got this deal from any U.S. President, considering that it is a large economy growing at 8%.

Suman: India is growing at 8% economic growth because of the FDI and outsourcing from the U.S.!

Suman: The comparisons of Bush to Osama are ridiculous, senseless, and misleading. You call Bush a war criminal because of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (??). You talk about killing of innocent civilians. It's not the U.S. solders that are killing the civilians in Iraq or Afghanistan. It's the Al Qaeda in Iraq and Taliban in Afghanistan that are killing the civilians.

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