India, U.S. Positioned To Embark On Closely Collaborative Path: S Jaishankar

"The overhang of the old view too can persist, missing the point that our interests are convergent and not congruent. Arguments of over-investment will be made, particularly from those who never had much appetite for these ties," he said.

"But the fact is that public opinion in each country about the other has shifted clearly in a favorable direction. Our politicians and business leaders get it, as do scientists, educationists and the military. The Pew polls on societal attitudes affirm this change strongly," Jaishankar noted.

He said the Kargil conflict provided an opportunity for the Clinton Administration to begin a course correction.

"The nuclear deal under President (George W) Bush, requiring the passage of laws to remove impediments not just for nuclear cooperation but indirectly for defense, space and high technology, saw policy finally catching up with reality," he said.

"The Obama Administration has since consolidated those shifts. Mutual perceptions adjusted too, of India as a responsible power and of the U.S. as one resident in Asia. The interesting aspect of this transition is its relatively evolutionary nature. Obviously, the earlier era had created enough connects to make that possible," he added.

Read More:
War of Words in LS Polls 2014: 5 Most Shocking Comments Made By Politicians
India's Top Political Bigwigs Who Hogged Major Limelight