Obama’s rendezvous with the India PM

On 11 o’clock today, President Obama will hold a meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh. The portfolio for this session includes a comprehensive set of topics that have been on everyone’s mind ever since the US President’s visit to India had been declared officially. There will be discussions on the fee hike for H1-B visa, trends on US outsourcing policies as well as common global issues faced by the countries such as cross-border terrorism.

Obama in his earlier interactions with the Indian public has made it clear that Pakistan is a country of strategic importance to the US and hence no measures will be undertaken by the US to declare Pakistan a terrorist state. Further discussions on Pakistan are expected to emanate from the meeting with Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh today.

Today’s session is also expected to provide more definitive answers to current issues such as the backing of India by the US for obtaining membership into the NSG. Another important item on President Obama’s agenda is predicted to be the trade of military hardware from US to India which is targeted to reach $26 billion this year.

Maritime Security is another area of mutual interest for both the countries. In the recent months an emphasis has been made on keeping international waters free of territories and pirates. Such an occurrence will boost the quality and volume of sea trade for both India as well as the US.

A joint press conference will be conducted at noon by President Obama and the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh to update the news media on the outcome of the meeting.