Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s US visit

In a historic state visit, the first of the Obama presidency, US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh vowed to “expand the India-US global strategic partnership for a better world”.

The two prolific leaders set an agenda in the key areas of counter terrorism cooperation, stimulating global economic revival and promoting global food security, expanding higher education cooperation, advancing public health and biomedical research and programming collaborations.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asserted that some “minor” problems relating to the India-US nuclear deal could be resolved in a couple of weeks. The US has expressed confidence that the deal would be done well before the August 2010 deadline.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wrapped up his “very productive” state visit to the US with assurances of support from President Barack Obama on countering terrorism emanating from Pakistan, early completion of their landmark civil nuclear deal and allaying of concerns over Chinese role in South Asia.

State dinner

As a fitting finale, under a glowing white marquee with a glass ceiling and chandeliers, US President Barack Obama toasted Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the lawns of the White House at the first state dinner of his presidency to celebrate the “great and growing friendship” between India and the US.

Aapka swagat hai (you are welcome),” said the dalloving Obama, in slightly accented Hindi, setting the perfect mood for Washington’s most discussed social event, symbolising romance and friendship between the world’s great democracies.

“In India, some of life’s most precious moments are often celebrated under the cover of a beautiful tent. It’s a little like (that) tonight,” Obama, who turned out in a full blacktie tux, told the Indian prime minister.

“We have incredible food, music, and are surrounded by great friends,” he said.

“It’s been said that the most beautiful thing in the universe are the starry heavens above us and the feeling of duty within us. Mr. Prime Minister, today we worked to fulfil our duty to bring our countries closer together than ever before. Under the stars, tonight we celebrate the friendship between India and the US. We celebrate the great and growing partnership between India and the US,” Obama said to ringing applause from a star-studded audience of over 320 Singh warmly reciprocated Obama’s greetings, saying he was overwhelmed by the warmth of his hospitality and the courtesy extended to them and the grace and charm of First