The dateline says New Delhi. The good news for the United States reports that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh survived a no-confidence vote in India's parliament. The bad news for the United States reports that the vote occurred.

Singh is an ally in a disputatious corner of the world. His opponents initiated the proceedings against his government because they reject his close ties to the U.S. The proposed pact regarding nuclear energy and nuclear arms has come under particular attack. India and Pakistan both claim nuclear arsenals and have rattled sabers over Kashmir and other issues. The U.S. views the deal as a means to lessen tension. Indian leftists accuse Singh of selling out.

India enjoys a thriving economy and a robust democracy. Although it suffers sectarian strife between Muslim and Hindu (Christians also have endured violence), Indians enjoy more legal protections and greater rights than citizens of neighboring countries.

The move against Singh apparently is India's first no-confidence vote sparked by a dispute over foreign policy. Although Singh did not fall, his party reportedly relied on tactics that were not only tough but dubious. The outlook for next year's regularly scheduled elections is not good.

The U.S. can help Singh and India by ratifying the nuclear agreement, and by proving that friendship pays diplomatic and economic dividends. One way for the U.S. to win favor is to try to see things from another's perspective. Washington can converse but not impose. India is a country of great value.