India is the second most populous country in the world. While India may not have the highest per capita income, their economy is growing and will eventually become a global power. Obviously Universal has run the numbers and they see it as a excellent business opportunity. Remember ROI? Universal, investors, and the creditors who would loan money for this project are not in business to throw around a half billion dollars on a whim. Welcome to the global economy.
THE BEASTmaster, perhaps you should consult a map before you make such a statement. The middle east is a region of Asia.
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_east_and_asia/asia_pol00.jpg India and Pakistan do share a border, and it is true that they don't get along very well. It is irrelevant anyway, all kinds of investment is flowing into India and will continue to do so. This is largely due to the fact that there is a sizable segment of the population that is well educated, and they work cheap compared to other industrialized countries. The people of India need entertainment just like everyone else and their money is just as good as yours or mine.
*** This post was edited by The Anti-Rumor on 7/4/2001. ***