Washington DC, Nov 24 (THAINDIAN NEWS) After the bilateral talks between the US

President Barack Obama and Indian PM Manmohan Singh ended, then at the press conference,
the US President gave a shocker. He announced that he had accepted Indian Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh’s invitation to visit India next year.

“I accepted his gracious invitation to visit india next year,” said President Obama.

Indian PM Manmohan Singh is on a 4-day state visit to the US, and by the looks of the press
conference, which started late, things are progressing quiet smoothly between the 2 leaders. The
bilateral talks went beyond the stipulated time, which is a good sign for both the countries.

At the press conference, Barack Obama also spoke about the deep bonds between US and India,
he spoke generously of India as a global power and that both of them held very fruitful bilateral
talks that strengthened their partnership. They had some new strategic dialogue too. He also
spoke about his commitment to India and that he has a personal partnership with the Indian PM.

He spoke about a strong operational agreement to deepen the cooperation amongst the 2
countries against transnational threats. He said that he envisions India with US in a world
without nuclear weapons. He also spoke about expanding the Fullbright-Nehru program so as to
get more students. He also welcomed India’s rightful place as a global leader in the world.

Agenda
According to White House the agenda for the visit includes the situation in Afghanistan and
Pakistan, bilateral business ties and the world economy.[7] President Obama is also expected to
discuss the issue of a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for India during this
trip.[8]

Background

Barack Obama.

The visit which is in response to an invitation extended by Indian Prime minister Manmohan
Singh was announced by Obama in June 2010.[3] He will be accompanied by first lady Michelle
Obama[4] Announcing the trip Obama remarked "We value our partnership...because of what we
share and where we can go together," and added that the two countries shared a vision of the
future built on "security and prosperity."[5]

Quoting Max Müller Obama said "Whatever sphere of the human mind you may select for your
special study, whether it be language, or religion, or mythology, or philosophy, whether it be law
or customs, primitive art or science, you have to go to India." Because, he said, "some of the
most valuable and instructive material of the history of man are treasured up in India and India
only."[6]

WASHINGTON: Ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to India, the government here has said that
it is looking at the country as a big market for American exports and expects several commercial deals
during his stay.

Officials here said that Obama is expected to focus on removal of barriers to US exports and for greater
American participation in the Indian market to create jobs back home.

"I think one of the major themes...the President is likely to emphasise is that... India is also a
tremendous market, potential market, for US exports and a source of investment back in the US,"
Deputy National Security Advisor Mike Froman told reporters yesterday at White House briefing.

"...it's a tremendous opportunity for goods, services, agriculture that he'll be pursuing while he's there
for supporting jobs back here in the US," he said, adding that some major commercial deals are likely to
be announced during the Obama visit to India next week.

Besides, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Obama's focus during the visit would be that
economic relations with India create jobs back home.

"I think we'll see as we get closer - not just the genuine potential of the market for American companies
but some tangible impact in supporting and creating jobs here in America," Gibbs said, adding that it
would be consistent with their national export initiative.

Froman said there's an ongoing dialogue between the two governments about outstanding trade issues,
and Obama will make clear the importance of removing barriers to US exports and US participation in
the Indian market.

He said a number of commercial deals are likely to be announced during the trip.

"There are a number of large contracts being worked on between US companies and their Indian
counterparts, oftentimes with the support of the US government in terms of our advocacy efforts or our
trade finance being available. We hope to consummate some of these deals in the run-up to the
President's visits," Froman said.

New Delhi, Oct 28: With just days to go ahead of the President's crucial three-day trip to India,
the White House released Barack Obama's itinerary. The following is the outline of the schedule
-

Buzz up!
Nov 5 - The President will depart from Washington

Nov 6 - Obama will arrive in Mumbai

Day One (Nov 6)

- The US President will first visit Taj Hotel

, one of the targets of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, to remember the victims of the terror strike. He
is expected to make a statement here and meet some survivors of the attack.

- He will next go to the Gandhi Museum, revealed Mr Ben Rhodes, deputy national security
advisor for strategic communications.

- Obama will then move on to the business summit organised by US-India Business Council,
where he will meet and greet India Inc.

Day Two (Nov 7)

- Barack Obama will celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with Mumbai children at a local
school.

- He will later interact with university students at the Town Hall. His speech will be centred
around democracy and Indo-US ties.

Day Three (Nov 8)

- The Us President will travel to the national capital, New Delhi, where he is expected to meet
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and President Pratibha Patil.

- The highlight of the day would be Obama addressing the Parliament.

- Obama's day and the trip will end with the state dinner hosted by the Prime Minister and his
wife.Nov 9 - Obama will leave Delhi for Jakarta in the morning.

REFERENCE: http://news.oneindia.in/2010/10/28/barack-obama-india-visit-schedule.