Bollywood finds mention in WikiLeaks in a confidential cable sent by U.S. diplomats in India suggesting that the appeal of Bollywood stars in Afghanistan could aid international efforts to stabilize the country. Media reports here over the weekend have quoted the March 2007 cable that was a response to a request from Washington for "specific, concrete ideas for opportunities for India to use soft power in helping Afghanistan's reconstruction."

From Raj Kapoor to Aishwarya Rai, Russia's romance with Bollywood continues. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will keep this old affair burning when he visits the master showman's studio in Mumbai and interact with stars.

At a time when nations around the globe are losing ground to extremism, India’s tradition of tolerance and its management of a large and diverse society can be an important learning ground for the world, a U.S. cable from its New Delhi embassy said in 2006.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pressed on with a charm offensive in India on Thursday, offering support for New Delhi's bid for a greater role in the United Nations and agreeing on an ambitious target of $100 billion in trade between the rising Asian powers by 2015.

"Incredible India." For tourism purposes, that slogan has served India well, but it is insufficient to convey the identity of a rising world power...More and more, India is a significant player in world affairs, and yet it lacks a consistent profile that it can present to the rest of the world.

NEW DELHI --- “Incredible India.” For tourism purposes, that slogan has served India well, but it is insufficient to convey the identity of a rising world power.

The leaders of India and China meet this week to try to boost trade and soothe tensions between two nations accounting for more than a third of humanity and crucial for driving global economic growth.

The group will depart the United States in late January to perform a pair of stage productions to an Indian audience. As part of the tour, the group will visit Delhi, Chennai, Ranchi, Trissur, Pondicherry, Hyderabad and Bangalore. In addition to performing, the group will teach dance classes.