Oct. 28: The US, Mr Barack Obama’s itinerary in Mumbai and to a lesser extent New Delhi resembles a CEO’s than a visiting head of state.
The major focus of his engagements in Mumbai will be his message on economics, on increasing exports, supporting jobs in the US, and commercial deals that he hopes will be clinched by the time he lands in the city.
A White House official said Mr Obama will participate in a business summit where he will hold roundtables with entrepreneurs and some US CEOs, and deliver a speech in which he “will make clear the importance of removing barriers to US exports and US participation in their market.” “With 1.2 billion people and an economy growing — expected to grow at eight per cent a year for the next several years — we really see India as a potentially very important market for US exports,” the official said. A key part of Mr Obama’s message will be that the US wants to make sure there are opportunities for US jobs and US exports.
“That,” the official added, “is a big part of his mission” in Mumbai. Mr Obama will carry that message to New Delhi, where he will hold delegation-level talks with the Prime Minister and meet key ministers. Mrs Obama will be present at some official engagements and will get time to take part in a couple of independent events.