Saturday, February 4 2006 15:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: India is emerging as a 'great power' and an important strategic partner of the US and its choices along with that of China and Russia will be the 'key factors' in determining the international security environment of the 21st century, according to a major review of American military strategy.

The Pentagon's Quadrennial Defence Review Report, which will be sent to Congress on Monday, also singled out China as the country with 'greatest potential' to challenge the US militarily.

"On July 18, 2005 the President (George W Bush) and the Indian Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) declared their resolve to transform the US-India relationship into a global partnership that will provide leadership in areas of mutual concern and interest," the Pentagon assessment said yesterday(Feb 3,2006), adding that "India is emerging as a great power and key strategic partner."

"Shared values as long standing, multi-ethnic democracies provide the foundation for continued and increased strategic cooperation and represent an important opportunity for our two countries," the Pentagon assessment said while describing

In contrast to what has been said about India, the Pentagon made it clear and in unambiguous terms that of the major and emerging powers "China has the greatest potential to compete militarily with the United States and field disruptive military technologies that could over time offset traditional US military advantages absent US counter strategies."