|
On the occasion of Obama Administration completing its 1st year in service, the White House stated that the relationship with India is “critical and very important”.
White House spokesperson, Mike Hammer said “It should be clear that we continue here at the White House and in the National Security Council to view the partnership with India is critical and very important”.
According to Hillary Clinton, the Secretary of State, the Indo-US partnership has entered into its third phase with New Delhi.
Some believe that Indo-US partnership will get a boost with Obama’s visit to India in his second term in office this year.
Mr. Hammer informed “The President very much looks forward to visit India this year, but do not have any concrete announcement to make regarding that visit”.
When Manmohan Singh, the India Prime Minister, made a State Visit in the month of November, he gave an invitation to Mr. Obama for India visit. Mr. Obama also showed keen interest in this.
The US President is most likely to be accompanied by his family on his maiden visit to the nation.
Mr. Hammer informed “President Obama had made priority in the first year of his Administration to develop close partnership with India to build on the previous administration’s work. And fully realising that there is a great potential for growth and further work between our two countries in advancing a common agenda on major issues of concern to the global community, which include issues like economic development, like climate change, energy, and also promoting peace around the globe”.
He also added “In that spirit the President had his first and the only State Dinner with Prime Minister Singh. That event marked really the closeness and bonds between our two countries and really reflected the deep affection that there is for India and the contributions as well the Indian-Americans make to American society”.
The White House Spokesperson said that it was during his administration the White House appointed an official for senior director position at the National Security Council to specially look after the relationship between America and India.
In the first year of his administration, dignitaries like Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State; Robert Gates, Defence Secretary; and James Jones, National Security Advisor; made visits to the nation.
Mr. Hammer added “So we see a continuing already of that deep engagement this year with the recent visit of Secretary Gates. I fully anticipate that every effort would be made on the part of the United States to forge an even deeper partnership with India in this coming year”.
The Hindu
January 22, 2010
|
