New Delhi, November 7
Having largely accomplished his business agenda in the country’s commercial capital of Mumbai, US President Barack Obama flew into New Delhi this afternoon for crucial talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tomorrow on the entire gamut of India-US ties as well as global issues of mutual concern.

Officials said terrorism in the context of the situation in the region, climate change, economic and business ties, agriculture and education are likely to dominate the discussions.

The personal chemistry between the Indian PM and Obama was very much in evidence as the young American leader, soon after alighting from his special aircraft, gave a huge hug to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after shaking hands with him and greeted his wife Gursharan Kaur with a peck on her cheek. First Lady Michelle also greeted Manmohan Singh and his wife warmly before the two couples posed for photographs.

The two leaders also chatted for a few minutes at the airport tarmac. Obama is believed to have thanked the PM for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation in India. Manmohan Singh broke the protocol to personally receive the Obamas at the airport, reflecting the importance he attached to the relationship with the US.

All eyes would now be on the Manmohan-Obama one-on-one meeting at the majestic Hyderabad House tomorrow, followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides. Indian officials feel Obama has made all the right noises ever since he arrived in Mumbai yesterday.

However, the expectation here is that the US President will unambiguously ask Pakistan to curb the activities of “jehadi” elements operating against India from its territory at his various engagements tomorrow, including a joint press conference with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and an address to Members of Parliament.

The joint statement is also likely to call for the elimination of safe havens, infrastructure of terrorism and violent extremism in Pakistan and Afghanistan and dismantling of terrorist network.

Terrorism emanating from Pakistan is not the only concern that India has as far its neighbour is concerned. New Delhi is also likely to convey to the American side its disappointment with Washington for continuing to give military aid to Pakistan. The Indian contention is that the aid given to Pakistan to enhance its capabilities to fight terrorism has always been used by Islamabad to bolster its military strength against India.

The growing assertiveness of China is bound to come up in one form or another during the talks. The Obama administration has been nudging New Delhi to assume its rightful role in global affairs as a leading economic power and the largest democracy in the world, in an obvious attempt to counter China.

Another key issue on which India would like President Obama to be candid is the restructuring of the United Nations, particularly India’s candidature for a permanent seat on the Security Council. A bigger role for India in the UN is likely to be acknowledged by the US in the joint statement.

Obama’s interview to a news agency on the eve of his departure for India in which he was quite ambiguous about India’s candidature did come as a dampener to India but Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao asserted the other day that no “hasty conclusions” could be drawn from the US leader’s comments.

Lifting restrictions on the export of hi-tech items and removal of some of the Indian entities engaged in the business of dual-use technology, next steps to implement the historic Indo-US nuclear deal, outsourcing, fee increase for H-1B visas are some other issues that are likely to come up during the talks.

The joint statement is also likely to mention Washington’s decision to back India’s membership of the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group. The membership of the nuclear cartel will make it easier for India to get dual-use technology from member countries though it is subject to rules of individual nations. It also means India has a say in framing export-control regulations. Washington may also back India for membership of other multilateral dual-use export-control clubs, including the Australia Group that deals with chemical and biological weapons.