Issues like Terrorism, Nuclear commerce, co-operation in defence and space, updating export controls, and enhanced trade are likely to dominate the agenda of talks between Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and US President Barack Obama in New Delhi this morning.A number of agreements will be inked after the summit meeting between the two leaders followed by delegation level talks. Setting the tone for the much awaited meeting, Obama said that he will make specific announcements on subjects like counter-terrorism, regional security and clean energy after the one-on-one meeting with Dr Singh. Earlier, making a statement on bilateral talks, Foreign secretary Nirupama Rao said there is a shared commitment to work together to address regional and global challenges. She said the two governments have worked purposefully to expand co-operation in trade and investment, science and technology, agriculture, health and higher education which are national development priorities for India. Ahead of the talks, a senior US official said that both the countries have an increasing stake in global stability and prosperity specially across Asia and the pacific. US undersecretary for political affairs William Burns welcomed India’s signing of the Convention on Supplementary compensation in Vienna and said Washington looks forward to US companies contributing to civil nuclear development in India. AIR correspondent reports that Indian side will articulate concerns on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and the tardy progress made in prosecuting the perpetrators of Mumbai attacks, besides raising issues like protectionism and outsourcing especially in the context of visa fee hike. President Obama and Dr Manmohan Singh will address a joint press conference today after their talks. Obama will address a joint sitting of two Houses of Parliament in the historic Central Hall in the evening. Obama will be accorded ceremonial reception at the forecourts of Rastrapathi Bhavan in the morning. He will then visit Raj Ghat to pay tributes to the Father of Nation, Mahatama Ganndhi.
News On AIR | November 8, 2010 9:05 AM
Obama begins his official level engagements today