Obama administration turns on charm offensive to welcome Modi

[sarang]

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"WASHINGTON: The Obama administration is turning on the charm offensive for Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month. It is rolling out the red carpet for the man Washington shunned for nearly a decade by hosting him for two days, including a private dinner with the president.

"it is believed that Obama will host one on September 29 evening after Modi's arrival from New York City following three days of UN related activity and a community reception at the Madison Square Gardens there. The formal White House bilateral and delegation level meetings will take place on September 30, with vice-president Joe Biden hosting a lunch at the State Department.

"Modi will be staying at Blair House (right across from the White House), which typically hosts the president's guests on important official visits, often a state visit. Although the Modi trip does not qualify as a state visit, which usually involves an official banquet, hosting foreign leaders in Blair House is seen as an intimate gesture signaling heightened interest in the relationship.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Obama-administration-turns-on-charm-offensive-to-welcome-Modi/articleshow/42100850.cms

 

[Iyyarooraan]

Modi is not a problem to the US. Nehru was, Indira Gandhi was and Rajiv Gandhi was. The earlier tag will come to them handy when they need.

 

[biswa]

I am not sure why Rajiv Gandhi was, he seemed totally pro-West to me.

 

[krish44]

Engaging with the US is a tricky business

best relationship is hostile relationship and asserting with economic and military strength as china did

US saw fit to engage china on its terms.

constant hugging and doing nothing to displease US can be bad for any country .

our neighbour played the hugging game when they tried supporting taliban with US to fight russian occupation .

later on they have also become a terrorist infested country with US quitting afganisthan.

those who cooperate with US meet a bad fate

Those who stand upto them get a good deal

 

[vgane]

What a sea change in one year! There is lot at stake for US..Be it Defence pacts/Co-operations, getting defence orders, Tech transfers, US-India military exercises, act as a counterweight to the aggressive growth of China's military & economic might and discussions on regional security!!

No more shunning: US to roll out red carpet for Modi
10 September 2014,
Gone are the days of boycotting the former Gujarat chief minister on moral grounds. Forgotten are the visa restrictions on him imposed in 2005 and relaxed only as late as 2013, when it became evident that Modi was aiming for the top spot. Now it’s red carpet time as far as White House is concerned.

Not only is the Barack Obama-led US administration rolling out the proverbial red carpet for India’s 15th prime minister, it is aggressively courting Modi in its bid to up the Indo-US strategic ties. White House sources have confirmed that US president Obama and Indian PM Modi would meet not once but twice in Washington, after the three-day United Nations General Assembly concludes in New York City in the last week of September.

Obama will welcome Modi on 29 and 30 September, hosting a special dinner in the latter’s honour in White House, while formal bilateral and delegation-level meetings will be held on 30 September. In addition, vice president Joe Biden will hold a lunch at the State Department on 30 September, while there will be a community reception at the Madison Square Gardens.

As a mark of Modi’s special place in American hearts, he will be hosted in the iconic Blair House (opposite White House), which had seen former prime minister Manmohan Singh residing in it during his state visit to the USA when the civil nuclear deal was inked in 2008.

According to the White House press secretary, Modi and Obama ‘will discuss ways to accelerate economic growth, bolster security cooperation, and collaborate in activities that bring long-term benefits to both countries and the world. They will also focus on regional issues, including current developments in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, where India and the United States can work together with partners towards a positive outcome.’

Even though the US still hasn’t appointed a new ambassador to India (former counsel Nancy Powell was called back just before the election results were out), the overtures from Washington have been too rosy in the last few months.

No more shunning: US to roll out red carpet for Modi | Millennium Post

 

[sarang]

India must keep relations with US at business level and should not contribute to US ambitions to be the global monitoring and manipulating police force and upholder of democracy. For a start, india should not get involveds in afganistan.

USA is trader and not a friend!

 

[Brahmanyan]

Engaging with the US is a tricky business
best relationship is hostile relationship and asserting with economic and military strength as china did
US saw fit to engage china on its terms.
constant hugging and doing nothing to displease US can be bad for any country .
our neighbour played the hugging game when they tried supporting taliban with US to fight russian occupation .
later on they have also become a terrorist infested country with US quitting afganisthan.
those who cooperate with US meet a bad fate
Those who stand upto them get a good deal

Well said. Your analysis is perfect. While President Obama's desire for good relations with PM Modi's Government may be genuine, ultimate results will depend on his political compulsions.
Let us hope the meet between the two leaders will bring new relationship.

Brahmanyan,
Bangalore.

 

[tks]

India must keep relations with US at business level and should not contribute to US ambitions to be the global monitoring and manipulating police force and upholder of democracy. For a start, india should not get involveds in afganistan.

USA is trader and not a friend!

All countries - friends or not - spy on each other.

Mature politicians know that the world is interdependent. While self interest is the focus of any country there are ways to achieve them through strategic trading partners.

By not personalizing (friend or foe) and by focusing on synergy of partnership both India and US stand to gain. I think PM Modi is coming from a position of strength. Even if nothing comes out of this meet it will set the stage for better opportunities for both countries in the future.