U.S. President Obama’s visit to New Delhi is likely to see the announcement of many important agreements, including the renewal of the ten-year Defence strategic framework, cyber-security cooperation, an enhanced partnership on counter-terrorism, among others, with a comprehensive joint statement drafted.
According to White House officials, the historic visit, the first time an American president will be chief guest at the Republic Day celebration, was a “unique moment of opportunity for a breakthrough” on “a number issues” that India and the US want to see “specific progress” on.
However, as negotiations go down to the wire, The Hindu has learnt that the “breakthroughs” on several key agreements are being held back because of domestic politics in both New Delhi and Washington.
Similar obstaclesAs a result, while Prime Minister Modi has been unable to clear economic commitments and the nuclear logjam due to opposition in the Rajya Sabha and his own Sangh parivar allies, President Obama is having trouble committing on climate change funding, H1B visas and the Totalisation agreement because of Republican control of the House, as well Democrat party policies.
A senior official told The Hindu that a multi-billion dollar renewable energy fund due to be announced during the visit has run into rough weather over President Obama’s inability to clear a 3 billion dollar commitment announced for the UN Climate Change Green fund.
With control of Congress passing entirely to the Republican Party in November’s mid-term elections, opposition to Mr. Obama’s plans on Capitol Hill gathered steam this week over a climate change vote that he lost.
Obama's Visit to India
Day 1: January 25, 2015
� Arrival in the morning
� 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
� Rashtrapathi Bhavan Ceremonial
� 'At home' with Pranab Mukherjee
� Round table with CEO's
Day 3: January 27, 2015
� To address a select gathering
� Visit to Agra to see the Taj Mahal
� Back to Delhi
� Leaves for the US
Source: TH
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