Obama india visit

[Ram]

what surprised me was he sounded like some damn lobbyist' date=' not a US Senator. India or not, the Republican position has been that no deadline should be set for a pullout from Afghanistan. That's a much better position from India's perspective. His throwing US-India relations into the Afghanistan equation seems silly, but his party's general position on Afghanistan is what India loves and Pakistan hates.[/quote'] Exactly, you hit the nail on the head. You expect some random lobbyist from some random think-tank to say stuff like that, not an ex-presidential candidate.

[Sir john]

Secret Service personnel keep a watch during US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s arrival in New Delhi on Sunday

[Sir john]

Obama to address MPs, not joint session of Parliament US President Barack Obama will address members of both the Houses of Parliament tomorrow and not a joint session or a joint sitting of the Indian Parliament as is being loosely stated and presumed. Secret Service personnel keep a watch during US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s arrival in New Delhi on Sunday. Secret Service personnel keep a watch during US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s arrival in New Delhi on Sunday. — PTI In fact, there’s no such term as a “joint session” under the Indian Constitution. All that Constitution talks about is a joint sitting of the two Houses - the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha - which is convened under Article 108 whenever there’s a deadlock on any Bill is in question. Such a sitting took place in March 2002, when there were differences of opinion on the Prevention of Terrorist Activities Bill. Earlier, such sittings were held to debate the Banking Regulation Bill and the Dowry Prohibition Amendment Bill. The only other instance when Members of both Houses come together is when the President of India, under Articles 86 and 87 of the Constitution, delivers customary address to the MPs. This address is also technically called “President’s address to the members assembled together” though loosely such a gathering has come to be described as a joint session. The presidential address to MPs happens before the first session every year and in the election year it happens twice as the President also addresses the first session of the newly constituted Lok Sabha. So far as the heads of states go, as per parliamentary convention worldwide, they address legislators of the Houses and not the Parliaments per se. “Terming such an address as a joint session or a joint sitting is wrong. Tomorrow we will see the US President addressing the parliamentarians. In any case, the Parliament is not in session tomorrow. The winter session begins only day after,” Lok Sabha Secretariat officials said. The last US President to address Indian MPs was Bill Clinton in 2000. Most recently, in 2007, the then-Japanese Premiere also delivered such an address. LS officials are expecting a huge gathering tomorrow and are prepared to handle the same. During Bill Clinton’s visit, MPs had created ugly scenes in the Central Hall of Parliament in a mad scramble to shake hands with the visiting dignitary. This time around, the Lok Sabha Speaker has issued an advisory of sorts asking the MPs to maintain dignity and decorum.

[Sir john]

Security blanket in Capital The entire security paraphernalia involving US Secret Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials, Indian National Security Guards (NSG) commandos assisted by various paramilitary forces and the Delhi police armed with various security gadgets was on display when Air Force One, carrying US President Barack Obama, touched down at Air force Technical Area at Palam Airport this afternoon. While a strong security cover involving land and air was thrown around the airport hours before the arrival of President Obama, the movement of men and vehicles stood standstill in 1 km radius around the airport when the Air Force One landed around 3.45 pm. While US security officials stood surrou-nding the official aeroplane, personnel from Indian Army, CRPF, CISF, NSG snipers stood guard in and around the airport. The cavalcade of about 23 vehicles, including President, his officials, US security officials, Delhi police, fire and ambulance left the airport for US Embassy in Chanakyapuri under air surveillance and thousands of Delhi police and traffic officials keeping guard every l00 metres of the entire stretch.

[bharathh]

That writeup has some good points (very minor though) in terms of falling over backwards for anyone from the west, but it is overall wrong at many levels. The US president is still the most powerful man in the world and no Michelle Obama is not the most powerful Obama. If you want to write something serious, at least you need to have some sense of correctness. It is good for India to have a good close relationship with a powerful country especially given the rogues like Pakistan and China around us and nothing better than a visit by their leader to help foster that relationship.

Obama's policies are inherently anti-India. He is not going to change them because he liked coconut water at the Taj. Be it the recent upping of the H1b visas to Indians or the constant placating of Pak, there is nothing that he has done for India or Indians. So why not show your displeasure at that? Also what has India gained from his visit? US on the other hand has gained plenty without conceding anything. Some closeness you expect to foster between someone who likes to keep jabbing us in the eye and India.

[yoda]

Obama's policies are inherently anti-India. He is not going to change them because he liked coconut water at the Taj. Be it the recent upping of the H1b visas to Indians or the constant placating of Pak, there is nothing that he has done for India or Indians. So why not show your displeasure at that? Also what has India gained from his visit? US on the other hand has gained plenty without conceding anything. Some closeness you expect to foster between someone who likes to keep jabbing us in the eye and India.

I don't know why you assume he is anti-India. On a personal front, if he really was, he wouldn't be spending 3 days here honestly. US presidents rarely travel and even more rarely spend 3 days in a place. His first state dinner since taking over as President was for MMS. Now, moving onto the policies you listed: 1. H1b visas - these are not specific to any country. The fees, quota are all applied across the board including China. 2. Funding for Pak - that is a necessary evil cause they need that country's cooperation to fight the Taliban. This is not Obama specific, been happening since 9/11. I agree he hasn't done anything major for India, but remember that since he took office, the US has had nothing but economic problems with the near financial meltdown. His focus has been on getting the US economy back track with unemployment at 10%, much like India has been working on progressing herself ahead. Outsourcing is a major issue for the US with jobs moving overseas, not just to India, but to China as well. Can you list some issues/provide quotes which would you would call as "jabbing us in the eye"? Please keep them to India specific without including other countries like China/Brazil.

[bharathh]

There are 49.1 billion reasons why Obama is in India. He is not there on a personal holiday. Right from his campaign he has used India and Bangalore as a scapegoat for the unemployment in the US. Please google to find all his statement about India and Bangalore in particular if you are not aware. As far as India is concerned... you are telling me that being pro-Pak establishment means it's not being anti-India? Please try telling the middle east that the US is not pro-Israeli. Whether he is a good pres for the US is not our concern. He can only be judged by us according to his policies that affect our country.

[yoda]

There are 49.1 billion reasons why Obama is in India. He is not there on a personal holiday. Right from his campaign he has used India and Bangalore as a scapegoat for the unemployment in the US. Please google to find all his statement about India and Bangalore in particular if you are not aware. As far as India is concerned... you are telling me that being pro-Pak establishment means it's not being anti-India? Please try telling the middle east that the US is not pro-Israeli. Whether he is a good pres for the US is not our concern. He can only be judged by us according to his policies that affect our country.

So, you have two main issues: 1. Funding for Pak - has been going on since 9/11, not Obama specific. They just can't cut funding off for that country for more reasons than one, and none of which has to do with being anti-India. 2. Outsourcing - US unemployment is at 10%, what do you want him to do? Twiddle thumbs watching jobs moving to overseas markets?

Reported May 5, 2009: "We will stop letting American companies that create jobs overseas take deductions on their expenses when they do not pay any American taxes on their profits," Obama said at White House announcing the international tax policy reform. "We will use the savings to give tax cuts to companies that are investing in research and development here at home so that we can jump start job creation, foster innovation, and enhance America's competitiveness," Obama said.

This saturday: “Trade between our countries is not just a one-way street of American jobs and companies moving to India. It is a dynamic two-way relationship that is creating jobs, growth and higher standards in both our countries.”

Don't see anything anti-India there. He is anti-"US jobs moving overseas" which ofc includes India. Yes he made some comment about Buffalo and Bangalore during Campaign, that was just a catchy way of getting his message to the voters that he is serious about finding a solution to the jobs issue. And look at his action. He didn't shut down companies moving jobs overseas (not that he can), he said no Tax incentives unless you promote R&D here, which is perfectly reasonable. US has a major problem on hand with India and China. India with the outsourcing service/jobs issues and with imports from China far exceeding any exports to China. Any US president's job is to tackle both these issues. Just because he is handling issues facing his country doesn't mean he is anti-India. I am sure the two countries can work closely in areas which doesn't involve funding for Pak or jobs being outsourced to India.

[bharathh]

Like I said earlier. I don't give a damn about the US. I care about India. If he does something that hurts India's interests, it is anti-India. Are you telling me that if India does anything against Pak in its interests, it will go down well with the US as it would jeapordize "their" fight against the Taliban? Name one thing (other than lip-service about India being an emerging power) that he has done for us? Please name one thing and not the potential of 2 countries doing things together. The US has never done anything for other countries without taking something back in return. The US has one main interest in India... and that has to do with the population to which things can be sold. Obama has made it pretty clear that he cannot (will not) do jack **** for India or our problems.

[punjabi_khota]

Obama's policies are inherently anti-India. He is not going to change them because he liked coconut water at the Taj. Be it the recent upping of the H1b visas to Indians or the constant placating of Pak, there is nothing that he has done for India or Indians. So why not show your displeasure at that? Also what has India gained from his visit? US on the other hand has gained plenty without conceding anything. Some closeness you expect to foster between someone who likes to keep jabbing us in the eye and India.

Do you know that even 7 months after the application date, there are still 15000 H1B visas left ? Anyways, it is open secret that a big % of those visas were used illegally by body-shop consultants, and most of the culprits have been Indians. A weak economy and crackdown on consultants means there are more visas than jobs...so what are you whining about ? H1B has been exploited beyond belief, and it is hurting the people for whom it was originally intended for. Thank god for the crackdown. If you are talking about fees, I find it hilarious that Infy or some other tech giant can't afford $2k per H1B visa..I think thats peanuts for this multi-billion dollar companies. And the big point though is that Indo-US relations are not just about NRIs or H1B. There are way too many other things to talk about.

[yoda]

Like I said earlier. I don't give a damn about the US. I care about India. If he does something that hurts India's interests, it is anti-India. Are you telling me that if India does anything against Pak in its interests, it will go down well with the US as it would jeapordize "their" fight against the Taliban? Name one thing (other than lip-service about India being an emerging power) that he has done for us? Please name one thing and not the potential of 2 countries doing things together. The US has never done anything for other countries without taking something back in return. The US has one main interest in India... and that has to do with the population to which things can be sold. Obama has made it pretty clear that he cannot (will not) do jack **** for India or our problems.

So, you have no problems with that, but have a problem when other countries have that same attitude? Like I said, I agree Obama hasn't done much for India, cause he has been in deep shyte with the financial crisis and the US economy itself. But I don't think he has done any special harm to India like you seem to claim. Regarding the funding for Pak, I stated earlier that since 9/11, the US has been stuck with Pakistan cause of the country's strategic location wrt to AQ and Taliban. It is not a Obama Policy, rather a forced US policy since 9/11. So, what is wrong with the US trying to sell things in India when India has been reaping the benefits the last decade or more providing BPO/call center/IT services to the US industry? Don't you think you are being a bit selfish here?

[bharathh]

I'm sorry. What part of I don't really care what he does for the US do you not seem to understand? His moves so far have been rightly perceived as anti-Indian by many as Indians are the ones that are directly affected by his government's policies. Whether it affects the bottom line of Indian companies or Indian jobs is more my concern. Not that he is dealing with unemployment at home.

[bharathh]

Anyways, it is open secret that a big % of those visas were used illegally by body-shop consultants, and most of the culprits have been Indians

I am sure you have lots of proof for this statement. Or is this just based on hearsay?

And the big point though is that Indo-US relations are not just about NRIs or H1B. There are way too many other things to talk about.

Like what?

[yoda]

I'm sorry. What part of I don't really care what he does for the US do you not seem to understand? His moves so far have been rightly perceived as anti-Indian by many as Indians are the ones that are directly affected by his government's policies. Whether it affects the bottom line of Indian companies or Indian jobs is more my concern. Not that he is dealing with unemployment at home.

What part of "if you are being selfish, why are you accusing others of being selfish" don't you understand?

[punjabi_khota]

I am sure you have lots of proof for this statement. Or is this just based on hearsay?

I have been in US for 5+ years, and have met uncountably many people who worked for consultants, faked their resumes for H1-Bs and switched jobs every 2 months due to this. Go to ANY website dealing with immigration issues, and you will see the proof.

Like what?

Like all the business deals, nuclear policy, UN security council seat, terrorism. None of them have anythign to do with H1B or NRIs. :two_thumbs_up:

[bharathh]

So' date=' you have no problems with that, but have a problem when other countries have that same attitude?[/quote'] Yes. So according to you we shouldn't look out/be concerned for our best interests first but it is ok for others to do so?

Like I said, I agree Obama hasn't done much for India, cause he has been in deep shyte with the financial crisis and the US economy itself.

Which is why I don't understand why people are going ape over him in India.

Regarding the funding for Pak, I stated earlier that since 9/11, the US has been stuck with Pakistan cause of the country's strategic location wrt to AQ and Taliban. It is not a Obama Policy, rather a forced US policy since 9/11.

And hence it is anti-India. So if we are forced to fund Iran or so other regime for our benefit, you are telling me that the US will understand ? The US did their darndest for India to break any energy agreement with them a few years back.

So, what is wrong with the US trying to sell things in India when India has been reaping the benefits the last decade or more providing BPO/call center/IT services to the US industry? Don't you think you are being a bit selfish here?

Not particularly, especially considering that they are trying to shut off their markets from us. So we should open our markets to them unabashedly so they can create jobs there .. but we should take a hit because they are having trouble. I don't understand why you believe it is ok for the US to be protectionist, but have trouble when someone else wants to be so.

[bharathh]

I have been in US for 5+ years, and have met uncountably many people who worked for consultants, faked their resumes for H1-Bs and switched jobs every 2 months due to this. Go to ANY website dealing with immigration issues, and you will see the proof. Like all the business deals, nuclear policy, UN security council seat, terrorism. None of them have anythign to do with H1B or NRIs. :two_thumbs_up:

That was just one of the things that I brought up. The business deals include the H1B thing that you don't think is important anyways as business can apparently only invovle the US selling and the grateful Indians buying. Terrorism and nuclear policy :giggle: Yes I am sure there are real breakthroughs that are going to be made esp since Pak has the US by the balls.

[punjabi_khota]

That was just one of the things that I brought up. The business deals include the H1B thing that you don't think is important anyways as business can apparently only invovle the US selling and the grateful Indians buying.

Please explain to me what is the problem in current H1B policy ?

Terrorism and nuclear policy :giggle: Yes I am sure there are real breakthroughs that are going to be made esp since Pak has the US by the balls.

Nuclear policy is currently affected by the unlimited liability bill. Pakistan has nothing to do with it. Pakistan was denied the same rights that were given to India when Bush signed the historic Nuclear deal.

[bharathh]

Please explain to me what is the problem in current H1B policy ?

Kindly refer to some of these immigration forums you were talking about to see what the current issues are :). After all, they represent the majority of immigrants according to you.

Nuclear policy is currently affected by the unlimited liability bill. Pakistan has nothing to do with it. Pakistan was denied the same rights that were given to India when Bush signed the historic Nuclear deal.

I'm sorry.. so exactly what can be discussed regarding this? And both you and yoda have so far told me nothing as to why he deserves the special treatment that he is getting in India. You have both told me that he has done nothing for India or Indians in particular.

[punjabi_khota]

Kindly refer to some of these immigration forums you were talking about to see what the current issues are :). After all' date=' they represent the majority of immigrants according to you. [/quote'] They want the crackdowns to end so they can be in US illegally, work at 50% the current rate, sit on 'bench' for months and carry on the fraud like the good old days ? :hysterical: Is that what you want Obama to solve ?