Sunday, October 31, 2010

obama visit Namaste India


AP
Lamp-Lit: At a Diwali function at the White House in 2009
obama visit
Namaste India
Barack Obama's nod to India will get us due recognition—if not momentous deals
http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?267720

What India Wants   What Obama Wants
  • Heed India's strategic concerns in the region and beyond
  • Unequivocal support from the US on India's candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council and inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group
  • Removal of DRDO and ISRO from the Entities List
  • Access to dual-use technologies from the US
  • Bigger role for India in Afghanistan, particularly in the future regime in Kabul
  • Work with US on poverty alleviation in Africa
  • Greater access to US markets for Indian goods, services
  
  • India to play a balancing role so that no one country dominates Asia. A rising China is a worry.
  • India's crucial support to restore peace, stability in Afghanistan
  • Opportunity in India's lucrative defence market as New Delhi revamps its armed forces
  • Access to the Indian market not only for big companies but small and medium enterprises as well
  • Support on climate change. Also help US in selling its sophisticated green technology.
  • Enable US firms to sell new seed technology in India
  • Grab a big share of the Indian civil nuclear market

It isn't every year that the president of the most powerful country comes calling on India. In fact, till a decade ago, most presidents of the United States of America didn't think India even deserved a stopover on their forays into Asia. Then, in 2000, Bill Clinton landed in New Delhi to charm the Indians and create a new mould for Indo-US relations, followed six years later by George W. Bush, who was rated as the best American president for India. In case you think the media should have become accustomed to the visit of American leaders, and are surprised at the buzz over Barack Obama's forthcoming visit to this land of Mahatma Gandhi (whom the American president considers an exemplary leader), then you have quite obviously missed the point: he is the first US president to visit this country in the first half of his first term in office. That by itself is a testimony to the importance of India in the global arena, its gradual rise as a power, its relevance to the superpower that's said to be on a possible decline.

 

 

Clinton and Bush have been here too; Obama, however, is the first one to visit in the first term of presidency.
 
 
This also explains why Obama's visit has been pitched as a defining moment in Indo-US relations. Forget those trite catchwords—Pakistan, Kashmir et al. Do not search for an idea comparable to the civil nuclear deal, crafted under the Bush administration, before you declare Obama's visit to India a success or otherwise. It's time to think big, sources say, and it can't get bigger than what Obama plans to unfold during his November 6-9 visit: project India as a power with a sinew impressive enough to partner the US not only in Asia but in the entire world, including an emerging Africa partnership.

Two major developments have prompted Obama to try and script a grand leap for India. One, the economic crisis which has cast most western economies into a tailspin. Two, the anxiety among many Asian countries engendered by the rise of an aggressive China. Agrees a senior official in the prime minister's office, "China's rise is the biggest thing that is happening around us." And when such a big change is under way, the Americans have to wake up and take stock.


Chinese warship fires missile in South China Sea

 

 

Obama may have skipped India in his Tokyo speech, but then had Manmohan as his first state guest.
 
 
Obama did this exactly a year ago, embarking on his first trip to Asia that saw him hop from one country to another: Japan, Singapore, China and South Korea. In his Asia Security speech in Tokyo, Obama did not even mention India, not even in passing. This omission, even as he named other Asian powers, was not missed in New Delhi nor among its friends in Washington. Wasn't it terrible diplomacy to ignore India, asked American officials there. As a remedy, he chose Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the first state guest of his presidency in November last year. And though Obama, sources say, showed great appreciation of Manmohan's views in their many subsequent meetings on the sidelines of multilateral events, there were many who remained sceptical whether the Indo-US strategic relationship would be elevated to a higher level under his presidency, as had been promised. Former foreign secretary K. Natwar Singh remains doubtful even today. "Borrowing the titles of two famous Charles Dickens novels, I can only describe his visit as 'Great Expectations' which will end up in 'Hard Times'."

A Look At The Presidential To-Do

Nov 6, Mumbai

  • Lands in Mumbai early on Nov 6 on Air Force One (left). Two other planes ferry 126 journalists and over 250 captains of industry.
  • 18 US military aircraft bring in dismantled choppers, armoured vehicles, communication equipment and security personnel (below left)
  • Stays at the Taj Mahal Palace (bottom left), Mumbai, one of the sites of the 26/11 attacks. Almost the entire 604-room hotel booked for his entourage; 70 per cent of the staff to be packed off on compulsory leave.
  • To read out a statement against terror at a small function where he interacts with 26/11 victims
  • Visit the Gandhi Museum. The Father of the Nation was an inspiration for Obama. Also
    celebrate Diwali at a school.
  • Speak at a summit of the Indian-US business communities

Nov 7, Mumbai

  • Address a town hall-type meeting at St Xavier's College
  • Attend a round-table conference on agricultural cooperation and food security
  • After lunch, leave for Delhi

Nov 7, Delhi

  • Humayun Tomb to be first port of call in Delhi. Then drive down to Roosevelt House for US ambassador event.
  • Will stay at Maurya Sheraton. All three wings booked for the Americans. An entire floor reserved for Obama and Michelle.
  • The Maurya to serve an Obama platter, a mix of special meat, chicken and seafood dishes
  • Attend a private dinner at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence

Nov 8, Delhi

  • After guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan (below), drives down to Rajghat (bottom) to pay homage to the Mahatma
  • One-to-one meeting with Manmohan at Hyderabad House, followed by delegation-level talks
  • Obama and team to attend lunch hosted by PM. After signing agreements, to hold joint press meet.
  • Address joint special session of Parliament
  • Attend presidential banquet hosted by Pratibha Patil in the evening. A 20-minute cultural capsule on "essence of India" likely to precede dinner.

Nov 9, Depart

  • Leaves for Indonesia
 

 

China was Obama's first choice for global partnership, till the country started flexing muscle in the region.
 
 
In some ways, such scepticism is understandable, considering that Obama zeroed in on India for global partnership as a second choice. He had initially looked upon China as a natural partner with whom America could combine to manage the world. This choice couldn't be faulted. China is crucial to the US, holding as it does over a trillion dollars worth of American treasury bonds and being a partner in a bilateral trade totalling a whopping $330 billion. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China's help is needed to roll back Iran's controversial nuclear programme and deal with a recalcitrant nuclear-armed North Korea.

But then China began flexing its muscle, exploiting the economic crisis to surpass Japan as the world's second-largest economy and then staking unilateral claims over South China Sea and other islands in East and Southeast Asia. The other countries of the region, mostly close allies of the US, were not only alarmed but wondered whether the US was deliberately forsaking its role of a stabiliser in the Asia-Pacific and allowing China to carve its sphere of influence there.


Courting India: Obama with Indian-origin Americans at an event.

 

 

There's no ganging up against China, assert Indian officials (never mind the 50 Indo-US defence exercises).
 
 
Stung, the US began to cast its net for other options. India suited the American plan well, boasting as it does a large army and a blue-water navy that could ensure China didn't become the sole power to dominate the region, a veritable cradle of growing economies. And so when Obama lands in India, after visiting Rajghat in New Delhi, he and Manmohan will conduct a substantial dialogue on the implications of China's rise for Asia and the world at large. This dialogue, however, doesn't tantamount to forging an alliance against China. Says a senior Indian diplomat, "There's an element of competitiveness in both India and US's relations vis-a-vis China. But this should not be construed as attempts to gang up against China." Never mind that, as a US official points out, "India and the US have together held 50 defence exercises in the past few years, and this is just the beginning." The general wisdom is that instead of talking about containing China, Manmohan and Obama will discuss ways of enhancing their engagement with China.
 

 

Having decried outsourcing often, Obama might seek access to Indian markets for smaller enterprises.
 
 
From Obama's perspective, the second-most important item on his agenda will be to deepen economic cooperation with India. Unable to pull his country out from the economic mire and likely to face reversals in the mid-term elections in November before he flies out for Asia, there are many who feel he will be under pressure to bag lucrative business contracts in India. And though mid-term electoral losses are quite normal for American presidents, the alarmists point to his many statements in which he cited outsourcing of American jobs to India as among the principal causes of unemployment. Officials, therefore, say he will try to gain greater access to the Indian market not only for American behemoths but also for small- and medium-scale enterprises, taking advantage of the buying capacity of the expanding middle class here. This could help Obama to convince people back home that relations with India are crucial to create jobs for Americans.

Agrees Arvind Subramanian, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, Washington, "This is a serious issue. The overall climate for openness in the US is not great, especially for issues such as outsourcing. The fact that Indian companies contribute to the US economy helps but it does not fundamentally alter whether or not the US is inclined to take protectionist action."


Eastern Manoeuvres: Obama with the Indian premier at the White House

 

 

Likely to be hooked to a live chaupal, Obama will be provided a glimpse of India's progress in panchayati raj.
 
 
No wonder, accompanying Obama is a huge business delegation comprising over 250 CEOs. The main focus of the Business Summit in Mumbai will be to contemplate steps for augmenting economic and trade cooperation that remains below $50 billion currently. In addition, the American suppliers will eye the lucrative defence market of India and cash in on New Delhi's drive to acquire sophisticated weaponry. Some arms deals are likely to be finalised during Obama's visit. Having pushed hard for lifting the nuclear apartheid against India, the US will naturally aim to grab a substantial share of the civil nuclear energy market in India, now that the last hurdle in implementing the nuclear deal has been swept aside.

Amidst fervent attempts to woo business in Mumbai, American sources say Obama will be provided a glimpse of India's progress in e-governance and panchayati raj. He's likely to be hooked live to a chaupal in session. Why isn't the media abuzz with speculation about a big-ticket deal? Partly, officials say, this is deliberate, aimed at lowering expectations to avoid disappointment. But the more significant reason is that a big-ticket idea can't be floated every time Indian and American leaders meet, that the nuclear deal was a game-changer and the gains have to be now consolidated, and that the thrust now is to have India and the US enter into global partnership.

 

 

India can expect plenty from the US on technology, but not much on the Pakistan front.
 
 
To seed this global partnership, there are many Indian proposals on the table. To begin with, there is a desire to get univocal support from the US on India's candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, for inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, an India-specific review to remove hurdles in the way of high-tech transfers and taking off Indian organisations like ISRO and DRDO from the Entities List that hobbles them from accessing dual techonology. In addition, there will be an attempt to get the US seriously engaged in India's quest in fields as diverse as civil nuclear energy, green technology, agriculture, weather prediction for enhancing crop production and education.

Obama is expected to carve out a much bigger role for India in the immediate region, and more importantly, across the globe. The two sides are now contemplating to work together for poverty alleviation not only in India but also in the countries of Africa. A substantial role is likely to be defined for India in Afghanistan, testifying to Obama's acceptance that peace and stability there have a direct bearing on India's security.


Wives Inc Michelle Obama with Gursharan Kaur in Washington

 

 

'Great Expectations' to end up in 'Hard Times': that's the Obama visit for Natwar Singh.
 
 
Obama's presence on Indian soil, more so in Mumbai, which was rocked by terror attacks in 2008, will inevitably drag terrorism into high-level talks. The US president will undertake powerful symbolic acts during his stay here, such as reading out a statement against terrorism and meeting the victims of 26/11. And though serious cooperation on counter-terrorism between India and the US is already under way, it is a moot point whether Washington can really stop Pakistan from supporting anti-India terror groups. The Americans desperately need Islamabad to stabilise Afghanistan, they can't just dump the Pakistanis. Says former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal, "I don't think Obama's in a position to control Pakistan and prevent it from being selective in its fight against terrorist groups." Adds former ambassador Naresh Chandra, "Gestures like the recent military aid package to Pakistan only boost the morale of its military establishment. Extract as much from the US on technology, but don't expect much on the Pakistan front."

Ultimately, as the US plans to create space for India to play a global role, New Delhi shouldn't forget that it can't expect others to hold its hand to glory. India will have to understand America's compulsions in Afghanistan, and seize upon other opportunities to raise its profile as a great nation that's devoid of hunger and believes in progress for all.

Also In This Story   
cover story
India's unhappy with America's selective information-sharing, but will downplay it right now
Outlook

view from the US
Change isn't all that easy to come by, as Obama finds at home. Can the India trip provide another historic moment for him, and us?
Ashish Kumar Sen

pakistan
In visiting India, Barack Obama will leave lots of Pakistanis feeling slighted. How is Islamabad coping?
Mariana Baabar

Interview
On Bush and Obama, the growing Indo-US relations and the expectations from the Obama visit to India
Pranay Sharma

opinion
There is no reason for China to worry over improving Indo-US ties.
Dingli Shen

barack obama
India Inc is too pragmatic to be overly expectant from Obama's visit
Lola Nayar

rustic route
US presidents have always liked their little photo-ops in Indian 'gaons', the villagers don't mind the spot in the sun either
Arpita Basu

opinion
American soft power does hold us in thrall, but with reservation
Dilip Bobb

Filed In:
Authors: Pranay Sharma
People: Barack Obama
Tags: Indo-US
Section: International
Subsection: Cover Stories
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click for more


pakistan
In visiting India, Barack Obama will leave lots of Pakistanis feeling slighted. How is Islamabad coping?
Mariana Baabar

Interview
On Bush and Obama, the growing Indo-US relations and the expectations from the Obama visit to India
Pranay Sharma

opinion
There is no reason for China to worry over improving Indo-US ties.
Dingli Shen

barack obama
India Inc is too pragmatic to be overly expectant from Obama's visit
Lola Nayar

rustic route
US presidents have always liked their little photo-ops in Indian 'gaons', the villagers don't mind the spot in the sun either
Arpita Basu

opinion
American soft power does hold us in thrall, but with reservation
Dilip Bobb

Filed In:
Authors: Pranay Sharma
People: Barack Obama
Tags: Indo-US
Section: International
Subsection: Cover Stories
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Daily Mail
Order by HAVE YOUR SAY

Oct 30, 2010 01:32 PM
1
By the time he arrives in India, Obama will be a wounded Preident. The November 2nd Congressional election is, by all projections, going to be a very punishing one for the Democrats, and a repudiation of Obama's policies.

His India visit can not produce any results that can be helpful to him back home except that the newspaper photos and television images of his reception in India may be pleasing for his supporters. Personally he has been a friend of India. He is an admirer of Gandhi. He has appointed several NRI's to high level positions in his administration. I wish him well for the success of his visit.
Anwaar
Dallas, United States
Oct 30, 2010 01:38 PM
2
"We can only keep our fingers crossed praying that this 'Namaste India' doesn't turn into 'Nemesis India' post-Obama-visit."
Rajneesh Batra
New Delhi, India
Oct 30, 2010 04:15 PM
3
For India having such a weak friend like USA is very foolish and hope-less. Pakistan has the much stronger Friend: China!
Ali Murtali
AURANGABAD, India
Oct 30, 2010 04:31 PM
4
"Barack Obama's nod to India will get us due recognition—if not momentous deals"

Not with this slave mentality. Who cares about "due recognition" from Obama? What good is a "good dog" pat on a back "due recognition" if our dishes are empty?
whatandwhy
Akola, India
Oct 30, 2010 06:29 PM
5
Unlike other Indian politicians who will sell their hearts, souls and fathers for corruption money, MMS has one single agenda : to sell India to the US.

The good side is that MMS is not corrupt in the monetary sense. The BAD news, is the import of US culture, including Anti-male politics.

WAKE UP, MALES! SPEAK UP!
Male unblocked
Chennai, India
Oct 30, 2010 09:12 PM
6
India gets only kind words and vague assurances - the action of US and Obama govt tell the real story : All Obama is interested in is protectionism, saving jobs in US, creating new jobs by getting millions in defense, nuclear and other big item ticket deals, sweetheart deals and no liability for MNCs, access to India's insurance, retail and other sectors of economy, while at the same time arming Pakistan to the teeth to fight India, turning a blind eye to terrorist funding by Pakistan etc.

This Obama visit is nothing more than another jamboree like the CWG - Sonia and family, Manmohan and others will get some nice photo ops with the visitors, India will signing away deals which favor US interests.
bharat
delhi, India
Oct 30, 2010 09:44 PM
7
For whatever reason Democrats have a reserved approach towards India (doesnt go beyond the regular rhetoric) when compared to republicans...It has been the case for the last 5 decades. Hopefully Obama will reverse it..or will he ?
Prasad
Bangalore, India
Oct 30, 2010 09:55 PM
8
Welcome Obama ji, to India!
Gul Ramani
duesseldorf, Germany
Oct 30, 2010 11:13 PM
9
India should for once be smart enough and grab this chance of increased trade and increased presence in the world. There is good chance we will make a mess of it. The leftist guilt inside us can suddenly spring up and start shouting against MNC 'exploiters' and capitalism in general.

But let us remember for once that, COMMUNIST China has no problem in getting trillion dollar American investments and sending 1000 billion dollar goods to the USA. While neighbourhood Islamic Pakistan may keep claiming hatred for all values American, but has no problem in grabbing all aid possible.

Now are we going to be smart and selfish for India's interest. Or suddenly become losers again pretending to ourselves that we are the world's Conscience against the USA...
sanjay
delhi, india
Oct 30, 2010 11:41 PM
10
Trade, investment, technology. Not one word to be spoken about the smaller neighbour, because that diminishes us, quite a few about the larger one. And wonderful atmospherics, because the mutual respect and regard rest on shared interests and shared values.
ashok lal
mumbai, India
Oct 31, 2010 12:06 AM
11
India will be a market that USA will not be able to avoid...due to symbiosis...( not the MBA school man :)) US needs Indian talent on soft skills...India needs USA to counter the regional imbalance thanks to Chinese....eventually china may never attack India due to USA and no one else!!!

Obama should undo this myth that democrats are averse to India....He should stop being eloquent ( unreasonably at times) and deliver both locally in US and regionally across...Bush for once got the equation right with India...it will pay huge dividends to the USA to ally with an honest partner like India...We may be diplomatic certainly not crooks like pakis and chinese
Prasad
Bangalore, India
Oct 31, 2010 01:31 AM
12
2008 American presidency was a poison chalice for Obama to sip. The poison: the mighty American economy was crumbling. Being a black man, he couldn't have won the presidency in the best of times; as Americans, by and large, the whites any way; it is anathema for a black man occupying the White House.

Bush's last term coupled with the mighty American economy was crumbling around him like house of cards and no white man was going to win the presidency because the white men in power and positions blamed for the economy going down into the abyss.

Obama was seen as a breath of fresh air coupled with his positive missive of 'can do approach' struck accord with the electorate, by and large, and he won the election which wouldn't have been possible in the best of time: prosperous time.

As akin to Shakespeare's Henry IV Part II: "Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown", Obama realised that the American presidency was a poison chalice-fixing the American economy was an herculean task that he couldn't fix it within his allotted two terms. His core constituents-the African Americans, Latinos and others who are at the lower rug of American social ladder thought Obama could fix their problem-foreclosures-with his magic wand. Even though he is not facing the election, his party-the Democrat-is going to get caned at the Congressional elections. Besieged Obama's beeline- India where he can act like presidential momentarily and escape the heat at home.

'Wagging the dog' is a phrase in American media circle often used when American President is in trouble at home, he orders a military strike at a foreign target perceived to be an area where the terrorists are harbouring. President Clinton did it when he was embroiled in the Monica Lewinsky scandal and other presidents before him did likewise.

For Obama such act is not going to pacify the waspish Americans seething to punish his party at the Congressional elections. What else besieged Obama could do? Escape to India for respite.

Namaste Obama! Welcome to India.
Scaria Varghese
Melbourne, Australia
Oct 31, 2010 02:32 PM
13
Obama is coming here carrying the enire mall. And the helpfully with the cart. Manmohan Singh loves his American goodies. Overpriced & generally useless. And usually with no aftersale service or AMC.

So we shall be doing a cart-ful of shopping paying cash , no credit card please! Also do not expect to be forewarned if another Headly is doing his scouting job right now under benign supervision of their cloak & dagger fellows.
MANISH BANERJEE
KOLKATA, India
Oct 31, 2010 04:30 PM
14
Is the media DELIBERATELY trying to divert attention from the TRILLION$$$ worth Nuclear deal?

Besides, the ANTI-MALE agenda will be high on Sonias priorities for import into this country.

WAKE UP, MALES! SPEAK UP!
Male unblocked
Chennai, India

--
Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/
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