Varghese George (National and Political Affairs Editor); Amit Baruah (Resident Editor, New Delhi) ; Suhasini Haidar (Diplomatic and Strategic Affairs Editor); Narayan Lakshman (The Hindu's U.S. Correspondent); Puja Mehra (Special Correspondent) share their insights and answer readers' questions relating to Mr. Obama's India visit
The Hindu: Welcome to The Hindu's Live Chat on US President Obama's visit to India. Following Mr. Obama's visit , it is time to understand what this historic visit means for India, for the U.S., this region and more importantly for the people of both countries
The Hindu: Did you know that Mr. Obama was the first U.S. President to be the chief guest at the Republic Day? Read the top 10 highlights of the President's visit here: https://www.thehindu.com/news/top-10-highlights-of-obamas-visit-to-india/article6826353.ece
Comment From Veera Reddy: “Mann ki bath” would have been great if Modi allowed Obama more time to speak......Disappoited......
A: Amit Baruah: Welcome to The Hindu's Live Chat on the Obama Visit. Keep your questions coming, you have The Hindu's top brass waiting to respond
Suhasini Haidar: Good Morning all….welcome to The Hindu live chat…happy to take your questions and comments!
Q: With new big investments in economy and infrastructure on the anvil, can we expect to see as a fundamental principle, the upholding of environmental and industrial safety, risk management in all the new developments?
Puja Mehra: Good Morning all
Q: Was there talks about the H1 Visa and outsourcing? When can we get what was discussed in detail?
Suhasini Haidar: They did talk..President Obama said he had “noted India's concerns” so expect it to come up once they launch the Bilateral investment talks as well
Narayan Lakshman: Welcome folks. This is Narayan Lakshman,The Hindu's U.S. Correspondent.
Q: After out come of US India meetings is there any time lines mentioned or target dates announced on e.g Smart cities. Neuclear power, solar engery...etc
A: Suhasini Haidar: Not yet…on nuclear issues, India is expected to reply “within days” on US concerns over reading the liability law. On solar energy, its still a broad, not significant commitment. But under PACE and PEACE programmes, expect something before November!
A: Narayan Lakshman: On timeline for the nuclear deal, I would add that it may be much longer before any investment in U.S.-made reactors is finalised, particularly because the U.S. nuclear companies like Westinghouse and GE need to make their own risk assessments based on the pooled insurance formula that has been put on the table by the Indian side. If they decide that the premium costs would result in too high a price of power generated, it may require further negotiations.
Comment From gubi : I think there was more hype about this visit in India,US media did not pay any heed to visit.
Q: What are the main benefits India will have after obama's visit?
Comment: Absolute nil coverage in major USA TV evening news of NBC, CBS & ABC of Obamas India visit!
A: Suhasini Haidar: Really….well thats quite surprising, given the optics of the visit. But maybe thats how it often is
A: Narayan Lakshman: I agree. There's a view that U.S. media is predominantly focused on domestic concerns, which I would attest to, to an extent. Having said that the print media here did offer more coverage than television, with pretty much every major publication following the visit in real time.
Q: I have the opinion that US media did not give much attention for this visit primarily as they don't see this visit of importance in strategy. They consider this visit as a wooing by India to improve its relations with USA. However, the Indian perspective is that during Obama's visit India has already accomplished some crucial breakthrough in terms of US aid and US support politically for India. What is your take on this?
A: Suhasini Haidar: I think it is a significant visit, but it will take some weeks, maybe months to see just what was achieved. If the big picture is that US and India are now heading towards an alliance, that might face a backlash…but as partners going forward, they can achieve a lot
A: Amit Baruah: Responses from Pakistan and the official Chinese media are interesting. They suggest that the Obama visit has had more than the “optical” impact regionally
Q: Is the US congress behind Obama on his Act East policy with respect to India ???
A: Narayan Lakshman: Yes, I believe it is, in the sense that India is by and large considered a country with bipartisan support here. Further, the U.S. Congress (or specific members) has (have) often been more concerned about the rise of China than the White House has. So they can be expected to back most of Obama's policies on India in East Asia.
Q: Suhasini, Will India really go with USA in fighting against terrorism? and against ISIS? by sending combating troops..
A: Suhasini Haidar: I doubt that Praveen! ISIS is something India has shied away from commenting on. But they need to have real cooperation, as equals. See my piece if possible in today’s @thehindu on JuD .
A: Narayan Lakshman: This is a really good question, and one that many in the media are not picking up. I think the Obama administration must have been hoping for some greater involvement by India -- but it has not been forthcoming. In some sense, there is a standoff brewing in that regard -- US refusing to mention LeT, JuD in joint statement, as Suhasini said, and India not yielding on the fight against ISIS/IS/Daesh
Q: Was the Obama speech against Putin prompted by a AFP journalist warranted?
A: Amit Baruah: Obama's comments on Russia were quite deliberate. They were an effort to show that once friendly to Russia-USSR India was now a stage that could be used against Moscow. That, to me, was the broad purpose of his comments against Russia.
Q: Need clarification about the supplier liability in N-deal after this visit.
A: Suhasini Haidar: yes i agree, Vivek!
Q: Suhasini - when he spoke about freedom of religion... what and how is it seen by the ruling party.
Puja Mehra: T he task forces appointed on the agreement to develop smart cities will give their reports in three months time..
Q: Suhasini , why the news that India has been endorsed for UN security counsil permanent seat by USA , is not making much news ? I read in Dawn about the concern raised by Pakistan security adviser on this and other but why this is not in news here ?
A: Suhasini Haidar: Not the first time President Obama has made the statement….he said “We hope to see a reformed UNSC in which India has a seat”. But no process for reform is in play yet. 10:09
A: Puja Mehra: They will submit concrete plans for development, funding required
Q: How is US going to gain from the Nuclear Deal with India considering that all the major corporations like Mitsubishi and all from other countries.
A: Narayan Lakshman: The U.S. has quite a lot to gain, in terms of jobs created here by deals involving Westinghouse and GE. Further there it cements the strategic bond with India further as this policy was the “centrepiece” of the relationship since 2005.
Q: What about totalisation agreement of 3 billion indian money that is tied up in us social security?
A: Narayan Lakshman: This has apparently returned to the negotiating table during Obama's visit, having reached a stand-still for several years now, since the UPA gov. Still unclear if any rapid resolution of the issues is possible, as it hinges upon taxation (and other financial) systems of the two nations becoming more closely coordinated (and right now they're not)
Q: Will this mean indian troops in Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, Central Asia and Congo. I mean unofficially bypassing the UN
A: Amit Baruah: Nope, don't think so Abraham. Closer military cooperation with the US will not amount to that. There are no indications to suggest that now.
Q: How do you think China India relations will play out in next 4-5 years? India-US bhai-bhai and China-India ---- (what?)
A: Suhasini Haidar: I think PM Modi has taken a very definitive stand on countering China over the past few months in relns with Japan, Australia, Vietnam and the US. This is going to make our engagement with China, which is India's largest trading partner tricky. EAM Sushma Swaraj is heading to Beijing next week, PM Modi will probably go later this year, so hopefully this will be managed.
Q: Will India's dream of securing a seat in UN security council materialise?
Q: Is there any merit in China's warning of “trap” by USA?
A: Amit Baruah: The Chinese have concerns about the India-US tango in the region -- that's clear from their media editorials. The “trap” , however, could be in the Chinese mind alone.
A: Puja Mehra: President Obama did say that US companies saw an opportunity in India's infrastructure development plans. On Make In India he said the steps India was taking for improving the ease of doing business were a step in the right direction. He said US companies would like to see more done on intellectual rights protection.
Q: Apart from all the deals and other shining things, we the Indians, as strong supporters of democracy and human rights, did not dare anytime (either our visit to US or their visit to us) to discuss issues of human massacres in the name of regime change in palestine, syria etc. supported by US. This same US doesnt want to bring democracy in Saudi Arabia as that is its ally. This double standard of US is well accepted and cherished by all. Obama is welcomed everywhere and no one dares to debate about it to them. We are still scared to speak out. Thats a sign of our weakness. Nuke deal wil leab us nowhere unless we start to assert ourselves on the right things.
A: Suhasini Haidar: I do agree that US needs to be called out more on its actions in west asia, especially Iraq, Libya and Syria. Disagree that its our weakness that stops us though.
Q: How this improved india's proximity with USA will affect our equation with Russia and China?
A: Amit Baruah: I think that maintaining good relations with all key powers and acting in our own national interest would make for a sound foreign policy.
Q: China already made their stand by calling Pak a true friend..How Russia responded to this...?
A: Suhasini Haidar: China wants a much deeper engagement with India too….all relations mustn't be seen as zero-sum
Q: I am wondering at some political commentators observations that UPA failed to seal this nuclear deal even before getting to know about the specifics involved. UPA could have also made it, had they given up on liability clause. If Modi govt has surrendered on this liability issue, then I dont think it is a major foreign policy achievement as seen by some excited fellows on TV debates.
A: Suhasini Haidar: I agree with you…and I think we need to give the government time on making it clear exactly what they have given by way of assurances in order to take the deal forward
Q: Will the backing of US for a permanent seat in the Security council mean anything, when we know that China will veto the proposal in the end anyways?
A: Amit Baruah: On the previous occasion, when India had a shot at entering the UNSC, both China and the United States worked actively on African countries to ensure that entry did not happen!!
Q: We are hearing that we will get seat in security council for last 10 years when they are going to decide or reform the council ?
A: Suhasini Haidar: UN Secy général has asked the UNGA spl committee to give its report, probably this year. Lets see how much longer after that!
Q: Given President Obama's remaining tenure is pretty much lame duck, how sustainable are the arrangements and understandings reached during this visit ?
A: Narayan Lakshman: Good question. The arrangements will be sustainable if nothing because India enjoys bipartisan support here in the U.S. Second, once a policy such as the nuclear deal has been operationalised, it is very hard for the U.S. to undo it, possibly involving protracted legal wrangling and negotiations in Congress, something that the next occupant of the White House, whichever party they're from, will seek to avoid. Also, it will upset New Delhi!
Q: will there be any bad impact on already stressed relations in the South Asia because of this visit??
A: Amit Baruah: Certainly, the Pakistanis are far from pleased and unhappy at Obama gracing India's military might on Republic Day. His presence is a big change for US policies.
Q: Is USA concessions and also Australia's willingness to help nuclear supply to India is deliberate as there are reports that world is moving out of nuclear energy to solar , wind energy which are more sustainable....Is it like making India a market to dump nuclear .......
A: Varghese K George: that is exaggerated fear. all over the world, new research is on to make nuclear technology cheaper, safer and abundant without compromising security aspects. so i guess, post hydrocarbon energy technology may be primarily nuclear.
Q: On the one hand, a foreigner (President Obama) talks on the lines of how we must stand together in spite of our diverse religion and culture, implying that the hatred that most leaders groomed in religious outfits seem to have must let go of them and work for real progress of the country. While on the other hand, we seem to make an issue out of everything (the case of VP Ansari criticised in spite of following the protocol). Does the future hold any kind of ray of hope to see a 'secular' state?
A: Amit Baruah: There are disturbing signs on the horizon. It is for the government and its functionaries to take note of these and address them. India can only advance if all its citizens progress together and the country is at peace with itself and its many diversities.
Q: Could India hope from US that it will stand firmly against the terrorism spread by the Pakistan ? Will they have a stand to fight against terrorism in India
A: Amit Baruah: The US has its own problems with Pakistan. Those two countries know each other well! They have been both partners and allies for long. And, now, the public mood in Pakistan is distinctly anti-America.
Q: Some US presidents hold meetings with visiting heads of states not in Washington but in other places . Why not GOI also take visting heads to places like OOTY , Mount Abu , Shimla etc
A: Varghese K George: well Namo did try that with Xi Jinping. That is part of his declared changes that he wants to bring about in diplomacy
Q: Undoubtedly Commerce , Security and Energy will be to be the top issues in the Indo-US Dialogue for many years to come. Now that Obama has yielded some ground on the Nuclear deal front will the Modi government promote FDI in retail in all the Indian states in the context of Make in India Campaign ?
A: Narayan Lakshman: A couple of points here: First, it is not clear that the US has yielded any ground on the nuclear deal. See my story in >today's paper . Second, I do not think FDI in retail will take a major hit owing to the Make in India campaign, primarily because the former will also create lots of jobs in India, even if some profits get repatriated abroad. Additionally the focus of the Make in India campaign involves other areas, such as defence, the digital India plan and many more, so no reason why FDI retail will be impacted adversely.
Q: A statement remainding the fundamentalism and religious freedom is really needed to be given by a powerful leader like Obama is very much the need of the hour. In our country many people of minorities are being Persecuted every now and then.....
A: Suhasini Haidar: I am not sure if President Obama making those comments will have much effect in India. If he has issues on religious freedoms, he must bring them up in his bilateral talks, not a speech as he is leaving. It left a rather mixed signal from his visit.
Q: Will Obama's visit impact India's relations with Russia , given that India has spoken against the Russia-Ukraine issue and do you foresee Russia-China engagement?
A: Amit Baruah: I think India's closeness to the US is not new, but the Russians like others will be marking the presence of Obama at Republic Day
Q: As China rightly pointed out, we shouldn’t believe in US. As they propagate false agenda for their own benefits. What does our government think?
A: V arghese K George: Oh well, we cannot trust China either. that is precisely the logic of "strategic autonomy" in India's foreign policy. while we maintain cordial relations with all, don't be drawn into blocs and power rivalries. we are yet to see if that changed under the Modi government.
Q: How do you think China India relations will play out in next 4-5 years? India-US bhai-bhai and China-India
A: Suhasini Haidar: I think PM Modi has taken a very definitive stand on countering China over the past few months in relns with Japan, Australia, Vietnam and the US. This is going to make our engagement with China, which is India's largest trading partner tricky. EAM Sushma Swaraj is heading to Beijing next week, PM Modi will probably go later this year, so hopefully this will be managed.
Q: Do you think Obama visit had compelling motives like selling US goods here and get some support for China ? is yes .. are there any other major motive besides these two ?
A: Amit Baruah: I think the US is majorly interested in the prospects offered by the Indian economy. And, yes, China is on his mind....
Here are the top 10 highlights of Obama's India visit
1. As a departure from protocol, PM Modi went to the airport himself to receive and welcome the U.S. President.
2. Mr. Obama was given a 21-gun salute and a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He inspected the tri-service Guard of Honour, which for the first time was led by a woman officer, Wing Commander Pooja Thakur.
3. Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States, descended from Air Force One clad in a printed floral dress and coat by India-born designer Bibhu Mohapatra.
4. India and the U.S. achieve a breakthrough on operationalisation of the civil nuclear deal.
5. In his speech at the Townhall, The President said, "Every Indian should celebrate the success of Shah Rukh Khan, Mary Kom, Milkha Singh equally."
6. President Barack Obama is the first U.S. President to visit India twice during office, and is also the first U.S. President to be the chief guest at the Republic Day.
7. Hours before his visit to India, Mr. Obama cancelled the Agra leg of his India visit and decided to travel to Saudi Arabia to meet the new king.
8. We have renewed our Defence Framework Agreement. We will deepen our cooperation on maritime security, said Mr. Modi during his statement after the bilateral talks.
9. Mr. Obama announced a slew of initiatives that included $4 billion in loans from U.S. banks, $2 billion in financing for renewable energy projects in India and $1 billion from the Exim Bank of the U.S. for project financing.
10. The most watched moment of the Modi-Obama relationship came at tea-time on the second day, when the two leaders stepped out of Hyderabad House for a well-choreographed tête-à-tête. As the cameras clicked, PM Modi poured tea for President Obama, and both leaders were seen smiling together.
> ReadEditorial: A new chapter of openness
> OBAMA'S VISIT TO INDIA
- › DAY 1: JANUARY 25, 2015
- › Arrival in the morning and Rashtrapathi Bhavan Ceremonial
- › Rashtrapathi Bhavan Ceremonial
- › Homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat
- › Bilateral discussions with PM Narendra Modi, followed by a luncheon
- › Meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee
- › Banquet hosted by the President
- › DAY 2: JANUARY 26, 2015:
- › Republic Day function and Rashtrapathi Bhavan Ceremonial
- › 'At home' with Pranab Mukherjeeand a round table with CEOs
- › DAY 3: JANUARY 27, 2015:
- › To address a select gathering
- › Leaves for Saudi Arabia