10 nov

'India won't change policy on Myanmar'

NEW DELHI: As Barack Obama called upon India to back US policies on Myanmar and Iran, top official
sources on Tuesday made it amply clear that India is not looking at modifying its foreign policy in lieu of
support for a permanent UNSC seat. They said that while India is engaging Myanmar because of
strategic and security reasons, it cannot ignore its civilisational ties with Iran.

‘‘ We have security reasons as well as strategic interest in engaging with Myanmar. We have a close and
contiguous relationship with Myanmar. On Iran, we have already said that we don’t want another nuclear
power in the region . However, we share a civilisational relationship with Iran which we cannot ignore,’’
said a source, adding that India is not into any bargaining game on the two countries.

Without taking China’s name, the source said India could not be expected to play ‘‘ braindead’’ when
another country north of Myanmar was very active there. ‘‘ Myanmar is not a country on the dark side of
the moon but a country on our borders with which we have to deal,’’ said the official.

Officials added that India’s conduct on Iran has been in keeping with other members of IAEA and that it
will continue its policy of not supporting sanctions which adversely impact the people. They reiterated that
while Iran like any other country has the right to peaceful nuclear programme, it has to fulfil certain
international commitments.

Obama mentioning Myanmar and Iran in his Parliament speech has led to an impression that the US
wants to keep India on probation till the time UNSC reforms do take place and India does become a
permanent member.

Sources, however, said Obama’s announcement of support for India’s bid was unequivocal. Top
government sources also said that while several DRDO and ISRO establishments have been taken off
the US entity list, discussions were underway to get the same result in the case of Department of Atomic
Energy (DAE).

9 nov

Gibbs threatened to pull Obama from

New Delhi meeting over press dispute
NEW DELHI: White House press secretary Robert Gibbs had reportedly threatened to pull US President Barack Obama from a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Dr
Manmohan Singh on Monday after security tried to restrict the number of US reporters allowed into the event at Hyderabad House in New Delhi .

According to Fox News, the bilateral meeting however proceeded as planned after Indian officials relented.

It was arranged beforehand that eight reporters from the White House press pool would be allowed to attend the meeting, but Indian officials tried to cut the number from eight to
five just before the photo-op.

Several US officials pushed to have all eight-pool members let in, but it was not taken seriously until Gibbs said that he was serious about pulling Obama from the event if all of
them were not allowed, the report said.

"That whole group is going in because they're going in with me," Gibbs insisted.

A member of the pool said at one point that Gibbs had his foot lodged in the door of Hyderabad House, the venue where the meeting was taking place, asking security officials if
they intended to break his foot, the report added.

Obama's stop in New Delhi is part of a 10-day trip to Asia focused on expanding US exports and deepening diplomatic ties.
Obama backs India UNSC seat to
counter China: US media
9 nov

Washington: US President Barack Obama's announcement of support for India's permanent membership in the UN Security Council ( UNSC . is seen by large sections of the
US media as an attempt to counter China.

The influential New York Times said that by endorsing India for a permanent seat Obama had "signalled the United States' intention to create a deeper partnership of the world's
two largest democracies that would expand commercial ties and check the influence of an increasingly assertive China".

The Washington Post agreed, saying it was "a powerful endorsement of India's growing economic power and global aspirations, but one likely to anger China and Pakistan".

The Christian Science Monitor said Obama "wowed the Indian Parliament with a strong US endorsement of India's bid to become a permanent member" of the UNSC.

But "Obama's flattering justification for India to join one of the world's most exclusive and powerful clubs does not mean the booming South Asian democracy should expect to
see its name engraved on a Security Council seat in New York any time soon", it said.

"Getting from consensus to actual reform is not going to be easy, for both practical and political reasons," it said, citing Michael Doyle, a former UN official now specialising in
international relations at Columbia University in New York.

The Los Angeles Times described Obama's endorsement as "a dramatic show of respect to the powerful nation he hopes will play a key role in support of US interests around
the world."

"The pledge is only a step in direction of new international stature for India," it said, noting "the nation likely won't attain permanent council status anytime soon, and the US is
backing its addition only as part of a series of council reforms that could be years in the making".

The Wall Street Journal said: "The gesture toward India was long-sought by New Delhi and greeted warmly by the Indian Parliament during the president's speech."

It cited Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes as saying the move was meant to formalise India's rise as a world and regional power.

Michelle Obama dresses to wow India

9nov

In Mumbai, she stuck to day-dresses and skirts, but the first lady shed her informal look for a more
glamorous one when she arrived in the Capital on Sunday . And designers, who were hoping to see
Michelle Obama in a traditional outfit, got their wish. Her black jacket with rich-gold embroidery - that she
donned for the official dinner hosted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh - was the perfect answer to the
woven saris that Gursharan Kaur and Sonia Gandhi wore for the occasion. Indian fashion bloggers Payal
and Priyanka of High Heel Confidential noted that the ensemble could be designer Naeem Khan’s
creation.

Her statement necklace - a black cord with a medallion - was from Ranjana Khan’s Fall 2010 Art Deco
collection. This isn’t the first time that Mrs O has favoured Ranjana’s jewellery or for that matter Naeem’s
clothes.

‘‘ She is quite conservative ,’’ says fashion designer Narendra Kumar. ‘‘ Besides, you have to keep in
mind that the Democrats fared poorly in the mid-term polls, and she can’t afford to look as if she is
enjoying herself, so she dressed appropriately. I think she’s managed to keep both sides happy.’’

The formal look continued on Monday morning when the Obamas visited the Mahatma Gandhi memorial
at Rajghat in New Delhi. The starkness of her black top was relieved by a floral gunmetal gem flower pin.
The silver belt and a green and purple skirt brought to mind India’s national bird, the peacock. In Queenie
Dhody’s words, ‘‘ it was feminine yet austere’’ .

At night, while attending a state dinner hosted by President Pratibha Patil, Michelle let her hair down for
the first time during her India visit. The severe pulled back look was replaced with a chic, more gentle
style, complete with bangs, that softened her face. Once again - perhaps in keeping with a conservative
dress-code that working Indian women prefer - she shimmered in a sleek textured high-waisted skirt
teemed with a formal full-sleeved bronze-gold top for Monday night event. A gold belt added just the right
amount of bling. Who said conservative can’t be glamourous?

When president Obama's security bid

arms farewell
NEW DELHI: The US security establishment strictly abided by the tradition and norms that have been set
for any head of state visiting Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial. Not only were sniffer dogs kept away (it was
an issue during George W Bush’s visit in 2006), but the US Secret Service and US Marines also did not
carry along any of their weapons inside the main mausoleum .

‘‘ This is a sacred place which epitomises peace and non-violence . Bringing in weapons would have
been against the ethos of Gandhian philosophy,’’ said Rajnish Kumar, secretary, Rajghat Gandhi
Samadhi Committee.

That, however, did not stop the US agencies from securing every nook and corner in the area. For the
first time on Monday, commandos from Delhi Police and paramilitary forces kept a hawk eye on the
Yamuna riverbed, anticipating possible terror threats. ‘‘ The scars of 26/11 have taught us to be vigilant
on all fronts,’’ said a security wing officer. Security personnel were also stationed on the newly-
inaugurated Ring Road bypass.

The outer security ring near the samadhi had Delhi Police cops, drawn mainly from the CP reserve,
deployed every 50m on the President’s route. Paramilitary personnel, including RAF, CISF, CRPF and
BSF, also stood guard. Between ITO and Rajghat alone, a total of 10 police companies were deployed.
Indian security agencies had discussed the possibility of the President and his wife stopping by at the
garden where earlier visiting US presidents had planted trees. But the proposal was shot down due to
time constraint and security concerns.

After the President’s entourage left Rajghat, hundreds of visitors thronged the mausoleum to get a
glimpse of what ‘‘ exactly transpired’’ . ‘‘ The Obamas were here. The place must be decked up. This is
why I chose to come,’’ said Alex Cambiasso from Italy. But many were left disappointed. ‘‘ I wanted to see
his note in the visitor’s book but it is not for public display,’’ said Karuna, who works with CSIR, Okhla.

Before plunging into hectic schedule,

they went to hotel spa early in morning
NEW DELHI: Caught in a hectic schedule in the Capital, the Obamas couldn’t spend enough time at ITC
Maurya where they are staying, but they managed to make the most of the facilities that were offered.
Monday started off very early, according to sources, and on a healthy note for the first couple, who
despite a tiring weekend made their first stop at the Kayakalp Spa and the hotel gym.
For Obama who had earlier expressed his desire to taste Indian delicacies , breakfast consisted of both
Indian and American food, including croissants and rolls from the hotel bakery and fresh fruit juice. Lunch
was a mix of Indian and continental, with the special Obama platter unveiled for the first time.
‘‘ In June, the president had expressed his desire to have a special platter named after him, like it had
been done for the Clintons and the hotel thought it would be a fitting honour,’’ said sources. The platter
was expected to be a mix of north Indian and Mughlai dishes and included specialities like murgh and
paneer khurchan, dishes that were popular at the hotel’s Bukhara restaurant some years back, tandoori
raan, tandoori salad, fish tikka , reshmi kebab, sikandari raan and tandoori aloo.
The president is reportedly fond of meat and hence the platter was planned to have red meat dishes and
sea food. For dessert, there was a toss-up between ras malai and kulfi.
The Obamas also spent some time at the hotel meeting political leaders who called on them, including
Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition, Sushma Swaraj, who was missing during the PM’s dinner on
Sunday night and for whom this was the first interaction with the Obamas during this visit.
The Obamas were reportedly quite happy at the hotel and interacted with the staff, appreciating the food
and services. On Sunday, when they arrived at the hotel, they had been greeted by the chairman of ITC
Ltd , YC Deveshwar , who appraised the couple about the hotel’s green initiatives, which, sources said,
was an important factor for determining where the president would stay during this trip.
The hotel has earlier played host to two other US presidents, Bill Clinton and George Bush. They too, like
Obama, were put up at the grand presidential suite that occupies an entire floor.

On Xmas shopping spree at crafts

village, Michelle runs out of cash
NEW DELHI: While her husband talked trade, Michelle Obama did what most women love to do — shop.
The First Lady, who has quite a reputation as a fashionista and is known to send stock prices of clothing
companies zooming when she slips into one of their dresses, ran up a bill of thousands on an assortment
of Indian handicrafts and textiles.
While visiting the 25 stalls at the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum in Pragati Maidan, she
even stopped to woefully exclaim, ‘‘ I wish I had brought more money!’’
The purchases didn’t stop till the purse was empty. In the visit that lasted over two hours, she delighted
craftsmen with loads of Christmas shopping. ‘‘ She stopped many times to exclaim at the beautiful
craftsmanship,’’ said museum chairperson Dr Ruchira Ghose who walked her through the complex.
‘‘ She wanted to know how we weave the cloth and the significance of some of the motifs,’’ said
Pamringla Vashum, a weaver from Manipur who uses the loinloom (a mobile, bamboo device). But it was
four-year-old Kavita from Rajasthan who stole the show when Michelle spotted her quietly embroidering
cloth dolls inside the Rajasthan stall. ‘‘ She was stunned to see Kavita’s workmanship even though she
was so young and immediately placed an order for 10 dolls. Later she came back and asked for five
more,’’ said Kavita’s proud grandfather Sumar Bhura. Kavita — who will soon be going to school —
perhaps reminded her of her daughters, so Michelle did some toy shopping , buying wooden trains and
spinning tops from the Karnataka stall. Other purchases included terracotta figurines of Nandi and
Ganesh from Tamil Nadu, a golden crochet table cover from Andhra Pradesh, four bead necklaces from
Delhi, an applique bedsheet and wrap from Assam, pashmina shawls from Jammu & Kashmir, several
mulberry silk stoles and cotton suit material from Orissa.
‘‘ We did not know whether she would like our craft work because she wears western clothes. In fact, we
spent a sleepless night yesterday wondering what she would say after she saw our craft items. But we
needn’t have worried,’’ said ikkat artist Sibananda Tosh from Orissa. Though she liked the Bomkai saris,
she did not buy any as she does not wear them.
Michelle walked the entire craft complex and museum with 17 girl children from various NGOs and visited
the ‘Shakti’ exhibition which showcases the work of several Indian women who are empowered through
their craft.
Arriving around 10.50am in a convoy comprising eight vehicles, Michelle was first greeted by school girls
from various municipality schools. ‘‘ She held their hand and walked around. The kids were very
inquisitive and shot off many questions ,’’ said Ghose.
Stopping by a granary displaying a typical village scene, she saw a blue figurine and exclaimed, ‘‘ That
looks like Barack!’’ . The figure had ears like Obama’s .
Next, the group was shown the artwork of the famous Mithila artist, the late Gangadevi. The artist’s
Madhubani paintings showing the different stages of a woman’s life — right from marriage to motherhood
— fascinated her. But what caught her eye were the two pictures Gangadevi had drawn after a visit to
America in the early 1980s. ‘‘ One shows a roller coaster and the other her experience of having to buy
tickets for everything in America,’’ explained Ghose. Michelle also viewed a huge chariot from
Maharashtra, traditionally used to carry Lord Ganesha during festivities.
The scheduled hour-long visit ran into two hours with Michelle engaged in lively discussions with the
artists, children and museum officials. The First Lady finally left around 12.55pm, with her Christmas
shopping. For the artisans, Santa had come early.

Obama backs India for UN seat

NEW DELHI: If there were clouds of scepticism hovering over the Obama visit as the "what's in it for us" question grew louder, the US president dispersed them on Monday by
endorsing India's bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and slamming Pakistan for promoting terror havens on its soil.

"I can say today -- in years ahead, I look forward to a reformed UN Security Council that includes India as a permanent member", Barack Obama said in his address to
Parliament in an emphatic endorsement of India's bid for a UNSC seat.

Read: Text of President Barack Obama's address to India's parliament

On Pakistan, the US president ended the ambiguity on Islamabad's use of terror against India that had marked his India tour so far. "We will continue to insist with Pakistan's
leaders that terrorist safe havens within their borders are unacceptable and that the terrorists behind the Mumbai attacks be brought to justice," he said.

While the UNSC promise may take a while to materialise, the audience in Parliament's Central Hall erupted in spontaneous celebration. They immediately recognised it as the
defining moment of his visit. The tough words on Pakistan drew similar applause.

Read: Text of PM's statement at press conference with Obama

Add to these the decision to lift controls on transfer of technology, the promise to help India join other crucial groups like the Nuclear Suppliers' Group, Missile Technology
Control Regime and, the tone of a "partnership between equals", and the visit marks another milestone in Indo-US ties.

Clearly, Obama had reserved his best for last. In his address to MPs, in which he gave a glimpse of his ortatorial prowess, he silenced doubters wondering if America's India
affair that began under Bill Clinton at the turn of the last millennium and flowered under George W Bush, was flagging.

Posing the question "what's the next step" in India-US ties. Obama provided some of the answers, outlining a "global partnership for global challenges". He stressed that the US
will not merely cheer India's rise from the sidelines but will stand "shoulder-to-shoulder".

Read: Text of India-US joint statement

From the moment he entered the central hall around 5.28pm to his slow paced exit, Obama received no less than 36 rounds of applause. But none resounded more loudly and
longer than when he expressed US support to India's ambition of a place at the UN high table.

Having twice on Monday pointed to the significance of making his India visit the longest in his presidency and also underlining that he was doing so early in his term, Obama
outlined his vision for a partnership that seems to be breaking new ground on contentious issues like nuclear non-proliferation that separated the two nations for decades.

There remain points of divergence on trade and other issues and Obama chose the occasion to speak "frankly" about India's reluctance to stand up on issues like democracy in
Myanmar where New Delhi has adopted an increasingly pragmatic approach. The criticism read like a reminder that with great power aspirations come responsibilities that all
those who want to be part of the new UNSC have to be mindful about.

The Indian response was obviously welcoming even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the joint press conferenc earlier in the day made it plain that while India was not
scared of discussing the "K-word", it could not be expected to hold talks so long as Pakistan did not move away from "terror-induced coercion" to dismantle the terror machine
operating from its soil.

Singh's tough talk came just after Obama had, for the second time in his visit, stressed that India and Pakistan needed to reduce tensions and resolve their disputes.

Singh was uncharacteristically bold also when he rebuted the entrenched perception in the US that outsourcing meant jobs lost in America. "India is not in the business of
stealing jobs from the United States of America," he said and added that he saw American investment as essential in India's bid to pull millions out of poverty. Infrastructure and
hi-tech were the keys that US investment could provide.

But Singh's was hardly a jarring note. Like Obama, he swore by the need for the two democracies to work together.

Together they outtlined the scope of the clasp that US and India have entered into and how it was truely a win-win situation. While the PM described Obama as a sincere friend,
and Obama returned the compliment by speaking of Singh's economic vision, the agreements in furthering defence, civil nuclear energy, agriculture, weather forecasting, a new
"evergreen" revolution, health and clean energy speak of the increased momentum in ties.
Germany, Japan fume at Obama's UN
nod
NEW DELHI: With India having got the US's coveted backing for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council , two major aspirants to the high table are fuming.

Both Germany and Japan went public with their annoyance at their claims being overlooked and made their displeasure known to the US.

In an interview to a TV channel, US ambassador to India Tim Roemer admitted as much. He said the two nations had asked why India had been accorded special treatment and
the reasons US saw it as a valued partner. The ambassador indicated that the resistance pointed to the distance that needed to be travelled for UN reform to become a reality.

He also suggested that US backing for India's case showed Washington's determination to pursue its ties with India that president Barack Obama outlined during his visit.

While India has managed to wrest an important pledge from president Obama that may take some time to be realized, it is still crucial. So far, Washington had only supported
Japan for a permanent seat at the UNSC even though it opposed the G4 (a group that included Japan, Germany, Brazil and India).

With Obamas announcement on Monday, the US has shifted its own stance to accommodate India. But that doesn't mean the G4 to which India has tacked its own aspirations
is in the clear yet.

Security Council reform is not only about putting India into the body. The issues at stake are what should be the ideal size of a new UNSC; whether the new members would
have veto rights, the number of permanent and non-permanent members, its relations with the UN General Assembly, whether there should be regional representation.

Officials said the UN's body debating the inter-governmental negotiations will restart their deliberations soon. The US show of support will make a difference to India and Japan.

Not to Germany, which is opposed by Italy and by many other countries who say giving a permanent seat to Germany would put a third seat in Europe (fourth, if you count
Russia as a European power), at a time when European power is in decline. Besides, EU was asking for a separate status for itself in the UNGA, they argue.

Africa is a problem too. There is general consensus that Africa should have two seats in the UNSC, but which two countries? Even the African Union is divided on that. There
can't be UNSC reform without the Africans because then the world runs the risk of all 53 African countries boycotting.

Then there is China. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday, when questioned, said, China values India's status in international affairs and understands India's
aspirations to play a greater role in the United Nations and is ready to keep contact and consultations with India and other member states on the issues of Security Council
reform.

But even if China can be made to digest an Indian membership, as at the NSG, its not going to be so easy for Japan, which even has South Korea opposing it. Brazil is opposed
by Mexico and Argentina (since its the only Portuguese-speaking country in a Spanish-speaking continent), and of course, Pakistan opposes India.

These countries had formed the Coffee Club, later renamed United for Consensus, and will most likely be resurrected again, perhaps with tacit Chinese support.

How many permanent members should the new UNSC have? The US wants around 19 members (in both categories). The G4 position is more sensible that's India, Brazil,
Japan and Germany, two African countries and three added to the non-permanent list.

There are other ideas floating around UK, France and Liechtenstein proposed an interim arrangement for 10 years and a review thereafter. The Chinese are more non-specific
and have just said they want more seats for developing countries.

Veto? India will fight to the end for the veto. But many countries say they can live without it, because the veto is not used anymore and lobbying for support is the way to go in
the Council. But veto, like nuclear weapons, is a currency of power. That battle, therefore, will continue.

With all these roadblocks, why is India optimistic? Its eminently doable, said sources on background. India's recent bid for the non-permanent seat fetched it 187 votes. That
was huge. It signalled, if nothing else, that the world is ready for UNSC reform and that India has a better chance than most.

Last week, India won what is believed to be the most difficult vote in the UNGA Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) with a whopping 164
votes, leaving Japan trailing at 146, China at 130 and Pakistan at 114. These, say officials, are all signals of support.

The trick is now to convert all this into a usable text in the UNGA and lay on the diplomatic charm. Indian officials, chuffed at their recent successes, now exhibit a rare can-do
spirit. India sees change happening by 2012.

USINPAC welcomes Obama's

endorsement of India for the permanent
UNSC membership
WASHINGTON: The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) has welcomed President Barack Obama's endorsement for India's bid for the permanent membership of
the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The growing status of India as an economic and regional superpower merits its inclusion as a permanent member of the UNSC.

President Obama made the announcement during his address to the Joint Session of the Indian Parliament on Monday. An effective, efficient, credible and legitimate United
Nations would have to reflect the realities of the 21st century, and that includes a reformed UNSC with India as a permanent member. India has long staked claim to a
permanent seat on the basis of its regional eminence, nuclear prowess and economic growth.
Sanjay Puri, USINPAC Chairman said, "We are very happy to see President Obama endorse India's inclusion as a permanent member of the UNSC. It is an important step in
the bilateral relationship. However, the first step would be introducing reforms to the Security Council, which might take a long time. We hope that with the US endorsement for
India, the UNSC reforms can be initiated soon."

President Obama also spoke about bringing the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to justice, and said that "terrorist safe-havens within their (Pakistan's) borders are
unacceptable." He stressed upon deepening the US-India collaboration for nuclear disarmament and securing the world's vulnerable nuclear materials.

USINPAC is a bipartisan organization and the voice of 2.7 million Indian-Americans. It works to impact policy on issues of concern to the Indian-American community in the
United States.

US forewarned Pakistan on supporting

India for UNSC
ISLAMABAD: The US had forewarned Pakistan about support to India as a permanent member in the UN Security Council ahead of President Barack Obama's visit.

Pakistan wasn't taken aback at Obama's announcement on supporting India for the UN Security Council seat, the News International reported Tuesday.

Support for the permanent UNSC seat for New Delhi was the crowning moment of Obama's four-day maiden visit to India. Obama landed in India Saturday and left for
Indonesia Tuesday morning.

Obama told a joint sitting of Indian parliament Monday: "Indeed, the just and sustainable international order that America seeks includes a United Nations that is efficient,
effective, credible and legitimate.

"That is why I can say today - in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed UN Security Council that includes India as a permanent member."

Pakistan's Foreign Office said they hope the US will take a moral view and not base itself on any temporary expediency or exigencies of power politics.

It was pointed out that while expressing support for a permanent seat for India, the US acknowledged that UN Security Council reforms was a difficult process and would take
significant time.

A spokesman was quoted as saying that Pakistan believes US endorsement of India's bid for UNSC permanent seat will add to complexity of the process of reforms of the
Security Council.

Whatever India wanted, US delivered:

Pak press
NEW DELHI: In the Pakistani press, US President Barack Obama's visit to India was more than just plain
reportage. It was about unravelling the subtext, and gave a jingoistic spin to the fast-paced events as they
unfolded across the border.

The news that hogged the headlines in many of Pakistani news portals following the joint press
conference by US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was the American
willingness to play a role in Kashmir.

Though the words emphasised on Washington agreeing to play any role, what was downplayed was that
this role had to be what the parties involved thought would be appropriate.

As per the Pakistani media, Pakistani army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Pakisani President Asif Ali
Zardari had already gone into a huddle to discuss the implications of the visit.

The Dawn set a similar tone, claiming Obama had won over Indian business even though he courted
controversy over Pakistan. According to the daily, the President used his meeting with the students at St
Xaiver's College in Mumbai on Sunday to impart a lesson to New Delhi of the joy in being a good
neighbour.

Interpretation was the order of the day. For instance, The Nation cited that it was about "Carrots for India
and Sticks for Pakistan" in a piece that focused on the US President criticising Pakistan for its slow pace
in its fight against militants within its borders.

"Obama's Surrender" -- an editorial in the same publication -- interpreted the visit as a bonanza for India,
giving the country what it wanted on all fronts -- economic, strategic and propaganda. "All in all, the
Obama visit was a tremendous boost for India, which gained on all fronts, including the anti-Pakistan
front. Whatever India sought, Obama delivered."

The News was milder in its tone, and felt that Obama ventured gingerly into the diplomatic minefield of
Indo-Pak relations, by insisting that New Delhi had the most to gain from a stable Pakistan, and urging
Islamabad to do more to address extremism. But it was followed by Zardari's comments made at a South-
Asia media event in Islamabad, where he said India has failed to respond to Pakistan's peace overtures.

An opinion piece -- "Why India's Realty Scam should Interest President Obama" --- by Jawed Naqvi, a
Dawan columnist, uses the latest corruption scandal in India -- the Adarsh Housing scam -- to convey his
views on why the US must intervene in Kashmir. The author uses the scam to point towards the
corruption in the ranks of the Indian Army. "If the highest ranking officers of the Indian Army could be
involved in a corrupt transaction in Mumbai, what havoc could the lower-ranking soldiers be wreaking in
Kashmir, where they enjoy unbridled immunities?" argues the author as he makes a case for a probe in
the role of the Indian Army in Kashmir.

At Obama's home, women power rules

NEW DELHI: The First Lady loves Indian food, especially the mutton and daal she sampled at the Prime
Minister’s banquet on Sunday night. Her younger daughter, Sasha, wants to become a dancer and when
this wife has a tiff with her husband , he has to make up first.
In an interaction with 17 school girls from rural areas of the country at the National Handicrafts and
Handlooms Museum, Michelle Obama spilled the beans on who calls the shots at home.
Awed by her presence at first, the girls stammered and stuttered but by the time the one-hour session
was over, they were chattering away with their guest.
Eleven-year-old Apreet Buttar, a class VI student from Guru Harkrishan Public School in Sri Ganganagar,
Rajasthan, wanted to know more about the US. ‘‘ I asked her if there is inequality among boys and girls in
educational institutes in America. She said that there used to be disparity in some universities but now
things had changed.’’ Her classmate , Ankita Dhukia, wanted to know what Michelle Obama liked about
her India trip. Indian food and meeting children was the answer.
‘‘ She waited till all the children had entered the museum and then came in. She spoke to all of us and
asked our names,’’ said Apreet. Manpreet Kaur and Ramanpreet Kaur, hailing from poor Dalit families in
Qylajiwan Singh village in Amristar district, had written a poem in Punjabi for her. ‘‘ Our poem was about
spreading peace and harmony in the world,’’ said aspiring doctor Ramanpreet . Manpreet wanted to know
when Barack and Michelle would come to the Golden Temple, and the First Lady promised her ‘‘ next
time’’ .
At the end of the interaction organised by the American Embassy and NGOs like Nanhi Chhaan, Vidya
and Nanhi Kali, the girls walked out with wide smiles, tightly clutching their new black shoulder bags with
a portrait of the White House on it. The bags gifted to them by Michelle contained a White House puzzle,
glue sticks, a small box of sweets with the presidential seal on it, markers and some pencil colours.
Most of the girls had come to Delhi for the first time. ‘‘ Several of them are not even able to afford the
minimal fees for a government school,’’ explained Aditya Dayal of Nanhi Chhaan Foundation. Michelle
had expressed special interest in meeting the girls — all aged between 10-13 — as her own daughters
were the same age. Though many of them are able to speak only in their local languages, it did not deter
them from communicating freely with the assistance of translators.
Mahatma fan takes back a charkha from
Rajghat
NEW DELHI: He has a portrait of the Mahatma hanging in his senate office. And today, US President
Barack Obama visited the memorial of the man he has often cited as his inspiration.

“We will always remember the great soul who changed the world with his message of peace, tolerance
and love. More than 60 years after his passing, his light continues to inspire the world,” Obama wrote in
the visitors’ book at Rajghat on Monday.

Obama along with wife Michelle landed up at the memorial at 10.15 am and spent about 20 minutes
there. While the President was dressed in a formal black suit, the first lady was elegantly dressed in a
black and sea-green dress. They entered the Gandhi samadhi from the VIP entry after taking off their
footwear as is the protocol. They laid a wreath of white carnations and lilies tied with a ribbon the colour of
the US flag on the samadhi and observed a minute’s silence. “Obama and his wife were struck by the
simplicity of the memorial,’’ said Rajnish Kumar, secretary of the Rajghat Samadhi Committee who took
them around.

Obama also asked about footfalls to the site and enquired whether the memorial would open to the public
after his visit.

The Rajghat Samadhi committee gifted him three books on Gandhi - ‘My Experiments with Truth’ , ‘The
mind of Mahatma Gandhi’ and ‘ Mahatma Gandhi in 100 years’ . A khadi scroll printed with the seven
social sins Gandhi wrote about in ‘Young India’ in 1925, a Mahatma Gandhi bust and a spinning wheel
(charkha) was also gifted to the first couple. “The charkha is a rare gift,’’ said Kumar. It had been
especially ordered from the Kerala emporium for Obama as it symbolises the freedom movement.

The Obamas didn’t come emptyhanded . They gifted the committee a white stone from the memorial of
Martin Luther King Jr, which is being built in Washington DC. “The gift is very special and symbolic. Martin
Luther King Jr is an iconic figure in the civil rights movement,” said Kumar who has escorted former US
presidents, including Bill Clinton and George W Bush earlier. “But this visit of the Obama was special
indeed. There was warmth and curiosity to know more about Bapu,” said Kumar.

To welcome the Obamas, Rajghat was decked with marigold and rose petals. Workers were up since
4am to decorate the memorial though they weren’t around later to catch a glimpse of him.

O lessons for touch-me-not netas

NEWS DELHI: The US president, Barack Obama , has India gushing . And much of it has to do with his
often-talked ‘‘ free flow approach’’ . Way more than his words, his body language speaks volumes.
Whatever the outcome of the visit, India will remember the energetic images of Obama’s meet-India tour
— from the PM to the labourer’s child — all flourish and warmth.

On Sunday, no sooner did the US president and wife Michelle join kids to dance in a Mumbai school that
an SMS, ‘‘ Imagine an Indian politician doing that’’ , started doing the rounds. Obama lightly kissed
Michelle before taking the mike at St Xavier’s College in Mumbai. Don’t even try to imagine any Indian
politician do that. His rolled-up sleeves gave his heart-to-heart meeting with young India the perfect blend
of a serious-casual air, though in effect, he may have said little.

What stops our politicos from being carefree? It’s more than just ‘older generation’ and ‘culture’ . There
are fundamental differences, says columnist Santosh Desai, in the way a politician ‘‘ arrives at power’’ . In
India, elections are but a pursuit of privilege and power, with the distance between the neta and the aam
admi increasing in direct proportion to their attainment. ‘‘ The politician becomes the dispenser of power,
which he will dispense sparingly and enigmatically,’’ says Desai, adding that it would be tough even for
PM Manmohan Singh to keep his ‘‘ grace and dignity intact’’ if he had had to reach the position via the
masses and kowtowing to political powers.

The smiling US president may have taken the term ‘‘ charm offensive’’ to a new level , but it’s more than
just charm, says body-language specialist Rita Gangwani. It’s grooming. ‘‘ There’s always an air of
uncertainty around our politicos. Indian politicians rarely extend their hand first; it’s an ego thing. Obama
reached out each and every time to shake hands.’’

There was truly no holding him back. He embraced the rather indulgent PM on arrival at Delhi, landed a
light peck on the cheek of the rather reserved PM’s wife, Gursharan Kaur, heartily shook Sonia Gandhi’s
hand with both his, and similarly clasped the hands of most of the people he was introduced to through
the day, ministers and the rest.

We call our netas stuffy but it may, in fact, be unfair to compare India’s politicians to American netas.
Communication plays its part, says Desai. In India, communication barely plays a role in seeing a
politician elected to office in India — caste, community and other factors are far greater influences , which
sway voters. But in the US, communication is big. ‘‘ As a society they thrive on communication. Television
does not play a role here but a telegenic personality is important in American elections. Communication,
charisma is key,’’ he says. It cuts both ways. Veteran political commentator Imtiaz Ahmad pooh-poohs the
‘‘ effusive behaviour’’ as ‘‘ a promotional exercise with no policy impact’’ . Desai cautions, ‘‘ US society
may end up giving surface appearances tremendous importance.’’

Obama's visit opens up new avenues of

investment in infra, energy & green tech
NEW DELHI: President Barack Obama’s visit to India has brought many realities to light. One of those, perhaps unintentionally, is the new pecking order for industry
associations, especially in the field of Indo-US business dialogue.

The US India Business Council (USIBC) has emerged as the undisputed leader for representing Indian and US business interests with respect to bilateral trade. This year,
USIBC bagged all the plum meetings and is, in fact, the common strand connecting all the business meetings that have been granted to industry associations in India. Other US
industry associations like Amcham and Indo-US Chamber of Commerce did not have any exclusive event to show for. A Washington-based industry association—USIBC is led
by Ron Sommers, who has earlier worked in India during the nineties in the energy sector.

This marks a dramatic shift from previous presidential visits when CII, Ficci and Amcham were the lead industry associations on the ground, including the last two tours, that of
Bill Clinton and George Bush.

Analysts believe that the change in focus of the US government—from investment to sales and job creation—needs a focused effort, which is less likely to depend on industry
associations based out of India, as there is very little need for company-to-company joint ventures when FDI is not involved.

The TOI was the first to point out on October 20 that the US President was not going to focus on FDI unlike his predecessors. The last three days have borne out the fact that
the entire focus of the visit is on sale of products and technology from the US with a view to create jobs in the US economy. In the new world order, perhaps it is time for industry
associations to rethink their roles in bilateral trade talks.

USIBC handled the premier meeting—with approximately 350 top Indian and US business honchos in Mumbai on Saturday—which was also President Obama’s first official
address after he landed. Both CII and Ficci supported the event. USIBC also hosted a business council reception at the Taj Mahal Hotel on Monday evening.

The CII bagged the second slot and the first among Indian associations—with a full day event in New Delhi on November 8. The event had a total of six sessions with addresses
by several cabinet ministers including Kamal Nath, Kapil Sibal, Anand Sharma and Pranab Mukherjee . Montek Singh Ahluwalia, deputy chairman of the Planning Commission,
also addressed the meeting at a session titled ‘Breakthrough ideas for Indo-US Cooperation’. Gary Locke, US commerce secretary and Timothy Geithner , US treasury
secretary, represented the US.

The third event has gone to Ficci with half a day of meetings that will be held on Tuesday, November 9, at Federation House, inviting participation mostly from Ficci members
and a few from USIBC and Amcham. Sam Pitroda , chairman of the National Innovation Council, and Anand Sharma will represent the government, while Gary Locke is the only
senior speaker from the US government apart from US Ambassador Timothy Roemer .