Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh wrapped up his four-day State visit to the US – the first official state visit of a foreign leader under the Obama Administration. The two countries decided to transform their ties into “one of the defining” partnerships of the 21st century. The visit from 23-26 November 2009 earned the assurance from the US President on India’s “rightful place as a global leader”. President Barack Obama described the relationship between the two countries as one of the “defining partnerships of the 21st century”.

The US assured India of its continued support and cooperation to fight terrorism; early completion of Indo-US civil nuclear deal and allayed some of India’s apprehensions of external powers poking their nose too much into certain bilateral issues in South Asia.

The summit level talks were held on 24 November. In his meeting with the US President, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh raised the matter of full implementation of the landmark civil nuclear deal. The change in regime in the US had raised concerns about its fate. But the PM showed a brave face to say that barring a few minor problems the deal is in good shape. “I am confident that we can sort out these things in the next few weeks”, he said.

Historic Opportunity

President Obama acknowledged the important role that India-US relations can play in addressing the global challenges of the 21st century. The US President said, “We agreed on a historic opportunity for India and the United States to work together for world peace and stability on the basis of our shared values, consensus and cooperation.”

On terrorism, there was consensus to fight it jointly. The situation in Pakistan also figured in the discussions. “Obama was very conscious and aware of the threats both our countries face from terrorism, and the need us to work together to combat it. We have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism.” The two sides signed a pact on counter-terror cooperation to advance global security.

Dr. Manmohan Singh appreciated the support being received from the US on the probe going into Mumbai attacks and the diplomatic pressure being mounted on Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai carnage to justice. Regarding China, Obama assured him that a reference to South Asia in the joint statement issued after his visit to China last week “does not mean that third powers should interfere in the affairs of South Asia”.

Welcoming Obama’s commitment to ensure a balanced outcome at the climate change meeting in Copenhagen, Dr. Singh said, “We have agreed to work together bilaterally and with all other countries to ensure this outcome.”

State Dinner

The summit talks were capped with the first state dinner of Obama’s presidency. The two leaders appeared before press persons in the East Room after an elaborate morning welcome ceremony and two hours of private talks in the Oval Office.

Under a giant tent at the South Lawn, the black-tie party for more than 300 people featured a mostly vegetarian meal of curry prawns, basmati rice, eggplant salad, lentil soup, potato dumplings and other delicacies. The menu, decor and attendance details were designed to celebrate Indian culture and guests. In his dinner toast, Obama said, “We celebrate the great and growing partnership between the United States and India. Tonight under the stars, we celebrate the spirit that will sustain our partnership, the bonds of friendship between our people,” while addressing the assembly of important personalities from both nations.

Marcus Samuelsson of the award-winning New York City restaurant Aquavit was brought in to prepare the food alongside White House chefs. Two Oscar-winners Jennifer Hudson (USA) of “Dreamgirls” and A.R. Rahman (India) “Slumdog Millionaire” fame entertained with their musical orchestra.

Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hosted the lunch of the State Department attended by important lawmakers. Addressing the media on 25 November, Dr. Manmohan Singh said, “I am confident that India and the US will not only continue but consolidate the momentum of relations built up over the past few years”. The Prime Minister discussed several ideas “to work together in order to accelerate global economic recovery and put it on a more sustainable and balanced path in the future”. The summit level talks with Obama helped to forge a “defining partnership of the 21st century”.

The Prime Minister said, “India and the US had established a framework for taking our relations forward, stressing priorities for future collaboration in agriculture, education, health, clean energy and energy security, defence, science and technology”. Dr. Manmohan Singh also referred to his “very good interaction with American business leaders”, who, he said were keen to expand business ties with India. He reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to facilitate foreign investment in India and to pursue key economic reforms.

India-Pak

Obama described “India as a key partner on a range of crucial global issues”. The ebullient remarks were different from the complimentary language that Obama lavished on China, to prod Beijing to do more with its new clout. With India, the US President was lauding what was already on.

During the open session with the media, the President evaded tricky questions on the India-Pakistan relations and the effect of U.S. military aid to Pakistan. Obama said “White House is not the place” to resolve the conflicts from outside. At the same time, he said America will do “what it can to ensure both Pakistan and India feel secure and able to address the needs of their citizens”. Obama said he and Singh agreed to “work even closer” on sharing information between law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Calling the two nations ‘natural allies’ on the topic he said, “We both recognize that our core goal is to achieve peace and security for all peoples in the region, not just one country or the other.” Noting that United States was India’s largest trading partner, Obama said broadening trade ties would help create much needed jobs in the two countries, wrecked by economic recession.

Climate Issue

On Climate Change, Obama said, “we moved one step closer” by joining together in hopes for a successful outcome in Copenhagen. But neither Obama nor Singh gave any hint that either country moved from their previous positions.

The Indian Prime Minister left the US for Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago, to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. He was given a warm send-off in the form of a 19-gun salute and guard of honour amid drizzle at the Andrews Air Force base.

The visit clearly proved that India stays hot on the priority list of America. From the playing of national anthems to glowing remarks to the last dinner toast, this theme resonated far and wide. India’s dominant belief that hey days of its relations with US were under former President George Bush may be in for a change. Obama has promised to visit India next year; clearly the ties are on the way to deeper consolidation.