Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Obama fetes 'indispensable' India
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Obama fetes 'indispensable' India
AFP - Wednesday, November 25
Send
IM Story
Print
Obama fetes 'indispensable' India
WASHINGTON (AFP) - – Barack Obama threw the biggest party of his presidency for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, hailing the world's largest democracy as "indispensable" and pledging to work out a range of thorny issues.
Obama rolled out the red carpet for Singh for the first full-fledged official visit of his White House, climaxing in a black-tie dinner that was one of Washington's most elite social occasions since his January 20 inauguration.
Obama, who had caused unease in India with his early focus on neighbors China and Pakistan, assured that the world's largest democracy was a true partner on his top priorities from counter-terrorism to climate change.
"Our nations are two global leaders, driven not to dominate other nations, but to build a future of security and prosperity for all nations," Obama said, flanked by Singh. "As we work to build that future, India is indispensable."
Singh seconded that India and the United States "have a shared interest in promoting prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific region."
In a nod to Indian concerns about Pakistan, they later issued a joint statement voicing "grave concern about the threat posed by terrorism and violent extremists emanating from India's neighborhood."
Obama accepted an invitation to visit India next year and his administration signed eight memoranda aiming to solidify growing cooperation.
One 10-million-dollar initiative named after Obama and Singh would support university linkages; India is already the top source of foreign students in the United States.
The two nations also agreed to launch a dialogue on economic relations, with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to head to India in early 2010.
Other projects would work to boost food security and support research on green technology, with two dozen cities across the United States and India to test new systems on solar technology.
Climate change has been one of the few points of recent discord between India and the United States, with each side pressing the other to make further commitments ahead of next month's high-stakes Copenhagen summit.
But Obama, who is expected to make an announcement in coming days on a target for US cuts in carbon emissions, said he agreed with Singh and Chinese leaders to reach a "strong operational agreement" on reducing global warming.
"It takes us one step closer to a successful outcome in Copenhagen," Obama said.
With a cold drizzle covering Washington, the White House called off an elaborate welcome on the South Lawn but went ahead with a glittering dinner for several hundred guests for which invitations were a coveted prize.
Besides the top brass of US politics, guests included Hollywood mogul Steven Speilberg and members of the increasingly influential 2.5-million-strong Indian-American community.
"You are the hottest ticket in town," Vice President Joe Biden told Singh at a lunch he co-hosted for the premier with Clinton.
Showing the new president's style, his wife Michelle Obama served fresh arugula grown at a White House garden she set up in a drive to encourage better eating habits.
The White House tapped Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef Marcus Samuelsson, whose cuisine is renowned for transcending cultural barriers, as the guest chef.
In deference to many Indians' dietary preferences, the menu was almost entirely vegetarian.
The entertainment for the night was to feature two Oscar-winners -- Jennifer Hudson, the singer and actress from "Dreamgirls," and A.R. Rahman, the composer of music for "Slumdog Millionaire."
The pageantry comes one week after Obama paid his maiden visit to China, where he faced criticism at home for a lack of concrete achievements, with Chinese state television not even broadcasting his sole public forum.
India, by contrast, has transformed in a matter of years in US eyes. After decades of mutual unease during the Cold War, ties with the United States have been rapidly warming and enjoy strong support across party lines.
Former president George W. Bush signed a landmark accord with Singh to allow cooperation on civilian nuclear technology, ending New Delhi's long pariah status for declaring itself a nuclear weapons state.
Obama is a strong advocate of nuclear disarmament and many Indians doubt he would have reached the same agreement. But Obama pledged to go ahead with the deal.
"I am confident and I have the assurance that that process can be completed without much further loss of time," Singh said.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
China confident of safety for envoy's Taiwan visit AP - 55 minutes ago
Arroyo urged to take action over massacre AFP - 1 hour 19 minutes ago
Japanese woman faces death penalty in Malaysia AFP - 1 hour 25 minutes ago
Malaysian woman tries to reverse Muslim conversion AP - 1 hour 37 minutes ago
6 more bodies uncovered in Philippine massacre AP - 1 hour 40 minutes ago
News Search
Top Stories
AFP Somalia journalist wins key press award
Swedish firm gives up bid for Saab
Fed lifts 2010 growth outlook, sees unemployment easing
Ireland hit by public sector strike against cuts
Severe reactions to swine flu vaccine in Canada
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Mankind using Earth's resources at alarming rate
Severe reactions to swine flu vaccine in Canada
KLM flies world's first "passenger flight on biofuel"
Success for Large Hadron Collider as first atom smashed
HIV kills 25 million, infects 60 million: UNAIDS
More Most Viewed »
Alcohol helps cut heart disease risk for men: study
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Wednesday, 25 November 2009 Iraq elections face delay
US-TECH Summary
Koenigsegg gives up bid for Saab
Filmed concerts come to iTunes in Live Nation deal
Severe reactions to swine flu vaccine in Canada
Diplomats: Big powers prepare Iran resolution
Conscious but paralysed; patient's case not unique
EU parliament backs greater rights for telecoms, Internet users
EU ends Qualcomm 3G probe after rivals back down
Iraq national vote unlikely in Jan
Google to put ancient Iraq museum collection online
Iran says needs guarantees to ship nuclear fuel
Google explains racist, anti-Semitic search results
Iran frees activist on bail in mass trial
Obama Afghan strategy decision 'within days'
Escort's book describes night with Berlusconi
| International
|
NY Gov. asks lawmakers to let him cut deficit
Obama promises to 'finish the job' in Afghanistan
Filmed concerts come to iTunes in Live Nation deal
| Technology
|
Afghan official says 15 ministers face graft probe
Consumer group warns about toy hazards
Google to put ancient Iraq museum collection online
| Technology
|
Political crisis roils Pakistan as Taliban loom
Minn. man pleads not guilty in Somali terror probe
Wooing of Taliban fighters is dangerous game
NH Clinton campaign hostage taker re-arrested
Strong quake strikes off Tonga: USGS
Taiwan leader presses US on fighter jets
Senator's affair revealed in text message
Indonesia demos demand Yudhoyono quit
Cops: 5 SoCal kids victims of 'ginger' attacks
6.8-magnitude quake rattles Tonga
NYC boy missing for 11 days lived in subways
Hopes fade for Indonesia ferry survivors
7 firefighters injured at Dallas construction site
Bangladesh begins trial of mutineers
Nokia to ax 220 R&D jobs in Japan
Indian authorities file new charges in Satyam scam
EIB, ADB in $660m Pakistan clean energy partnership
Bidders value Unitas' Korea retailer over $260 mln-source
British watchdog fines Nomura £1.75 mln
Kia Motors launches luxury Cadenza sedan
FACTBOX-Pakistan's December-January monetary policy
China, EU to discuss protectionism, climate change
Pakistan stocks end higher; monetary policy awaited
Indonesian minister defends bank bailout
King Kong figurine used in 1930s movie sold in UK
Afghanistan: Illiterate, insecure but lots of TV
Placido Domingo regales Mexico City with free concert
UK poll shows ABBA band people most want to reform
| Entertainment
|
Paris Pompidou Centre staff prolong strike
Lohan to stay on at Ungaro fashion house, despite criticism
| Entertainment
|
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
UK poll shows ABBA band people most want to reform
Italians reject proposal to abolish lunch breaks: media
Straight British couple fight for civil partnership
Rio does away with coconuts on beaches
New Map Suggests Mars Once Humid
Rock-star wife details drug mayhem in new book
Residents Receive Wrong Flu Shot
University Team Says "Official" Government Message Really Dangerous Computer Virus
Jeremy Jarvis Publicly Offers Sympathies For Deerfield Beach Boy Set On Fire
Black Friday Shopping Expected To Show Increase
Schwarzenegger Taps Moderate Republican For Lt. Governor
Orlando Theme Park Fined In Accident
Government Links Chinese Drywall U.S. Homes Corrosion
Authorities In Minnesota Charge Eight Americans In Somalia Terrorism Recruitment
Stork Craft Recalls More Than 2 Million Cribs
Leterme to return as Belgian PM Wednesday
Obama vows to 'finish the job' in Afghanistan
Microsoft names new CFO
Australia, Canada approve -Microsoft deal
AFP Somalia journalist wins key press award
EReaders, price war weigh on Barnes, Borders
Iran's leader makes inroads in Latin America
Crew member killed in attack on tanker off Benin
| International
|
Fed lifts 2010 growth outlook, sees unemployment easing
Facebook changes stock structure but 'no plans to go public'
Iran says needs guarantees to send uranium abroad
Report: Iran lifts ban on popular newspaper
Ireland hit by public sector strike against cuts
US senators urge EC to expedite Oracle-Sun probe
Venezuela opposition and Jews protest Iran visit
| International
|
World Bank to start agriculture fund with $1.5 billion
| International
|
Google to digitise Iraq Museum archives: CEO
Prisoner swap could win release of popular leader
Canadian Internet firms to rat out child porn websites
China executes two for tainted milk scandal
| International
|
British probe reveals lead-up to Iraq war
Iranian leader greeted with military honors in Bolivia
Netanyahu says Hamas prisoner deal may not happen
Twitter age gets mixed reception in sports
Adconion acquires assets of online video site Joost
Malaysian woman tries to reverse Muslim conversion
Privately held Facebook sets up dual-class stock
| Technology
|
6 more bodies uncovered in Philippine massacre
Mobile Web surge continues in October: Opera
| Technology
|
China: Climate talks need to set pollution caps
Obama says will "finish the job" in Afghanistan
Khmer Rouge prosecutor says Duch should get 40 years
EReaders, price war weigh on Barnes, Borders
| Technology
|
2 Chicago officers punished after G-20 photo probe
Four US teens 'wanted for attempted murder' in Japan
Microsoft CFO to leave, look for bigger job
| Technology
|
First lady wears Naeem Khan gown to state dinner
Thailand tightens sex change laws
LA anti-gang worker gets 12 years for burglary
China mine death toll up to 106: spokesman
SC lawmakers question impeachment for governor
Obama administration will not sign land mine ban
Festival of mass animal sacrifice begins in Nepal
Feds blame low oxygen for Ala. coal mine death
Obama fetes 'indispensable' India
Man pushed by Calif. transit officer charged
Arroyo urged to take action over massacre
LA County leaders back night fire flights
Japan's exports post smallest drop in a year
Taiwan, US to resume trade talks next year: envoy
S.Korea Q3 household credit expands faster
US firm on slapping tariffs on Chinese steel pipes
Seoul shares rises 0.3 pct on chip, retail counters
Donny Osmond dances to victory on Stars finale
| Entertainment
|
RPT-UPDATE 1-Bidders value Unitas' S.Korea retailer over $260mln
Korea Hot Stocks
Nude photo of Sharon Tate, Roman Polanski set for auction
| Entertainment
|
Japan posts $9.1 bln trade surplus
Film director Tyler Perry gives $1 million to NAACP
| Entertainment
|
S.Korean bonds up on U.S. lead, buyback plan
Twenty-five recordings added to Grammy Hall of Fame
| Entertainment
|
Seoul shares open higher; LG Household rises
Donny Osmond dances to victory on "Stars" finale
25 recordings inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame
Nielsen's top 20 prime-time programs
Twenty-five recordings added to Grammy Hall of Fame
Film director Tyler Perry gives $1 million to NAACP
Nude photo of Sharon Tate, Roman Polanski set for auction
3 generations of Wyeths to be sold in NYC
King Kong memorabilia sells for 120,000 pounds in London
Chef Paula Deen accidentally hit by charity ham
Israel readying new arms to meet Iran challenge
ABN Amro reports quarterly loss of 1 bln euros
Eleven more bodies found at Philippine massacre site
| International
|
Iran detains scores of students, rights group says
| International
|
26 wounded in twin bombs in Iraq shrine city
Mobile Web surge continues in October: Opera
Italian ex-militant ends hunger strike in Brazil
Ton-up Dravid heaps misery on Sri Lanka
Pakistan court charges Mumbai attack suspects
| International
|
Israel set to declare settlement limits: government sources
| International
|
ABN Amro Group reports one billion euro loss
Iran's Ahmadinejad in Venezuela on official visit
Prisoner deal hits snag on Hamas demands
| International
|
Saudi king and Spanish PM discuss Mideast
UK's Brown optimistic on Afghan troop increase
| International
|
U.S., U.N. present proposals to end Iraq vote impasse
| International
|
India vigilant but remains vulnerable to attacks
| International
|
Khmer Rouge jailer expresses excruciating remorse
| International
|
China expert warns of pandemic flu mutation
| International
|
LinkedIn co-founder sees IPO likely, but not soon
| Technology
|
Thai anti-government protest called off
Infineon, Nokia co-operate on next mobile generation
| Technology
|
Detention of China dissident Liu Xiaobo extended
Hazy conditions disrupt air travel in China
Google to put ancient Iraq museum collection online
| Technology
|
Chinese police jailed in torture case: state media
The nation's weather
Microsoft CFO to leave, look for bigger job
| Technology
|
Khmer Rouge jailer expresses "excruciating remorse"
Obama to pardon turkey
Honolulu police posting DUI mug shots on Internet
Japan PM took dubious funds from mother: reports
After Revoking Concession, Conservative Finally Accepts Loss In New York's 23rd District
Wind weighs on battle against Orange County blaze
Judge Ito Gives Up On Constantly Replacing Nameplate
NZ passes relaxed climate change law
Americans search for cheaper Thanksgiving trips
Middle School Kids Suspended For 'Kicking Jews'
Tajiks make world's longest flag record bid
U.S. Not Signing Ban On Landmine, But Is Sending Delegation To Conference
"Cancer of fraud" permeates U.S. healthcare system
Arroyo vows justice as massacre toll hits 52
Toyota Recalls Tens Of Thousands Of Tundra Trucks
Stars, top Dem donors make state dinner guest list
Google Decides Against Removing Photo Of First Lady Edited To Appear As A Monkey
Evening gowns, saris at Obama's first state dinner
Gay Club Files Lawsuit Against Atlanta Police Dept
President Pardons First White House Turkey Wednesday
Impatience with Obama trade policy grows
Obamas Taste Success At First Lavish State Dinner
Obama Plays Dinner Diplomacy; Afghanistan Still Undecided
Shuttle Atlantis leaves space station, headed home
Gold hits record high $1,180 per ounce
S.Korea fin min: private sector leading recovery
Beijing Autos says will reevaluate Saab bid
S.Korea halves ceiling on text messages to fight spam
Chinese banks may need to raise billions: reports
Seoul shares rise 0.3 pct on chip, retail counters
Zoellick warns of asset bubble risks
Indonesia's top detective replaced
Kingsley to play Mogul emperor who built Taj Mahal
Pop star Williams rules out tour over drugs fears
Adam Lambert makes a splash, but risks losing fans
| Entertainment
|
Peter Jackson has break from big budgets in Lovely Bones
| Entertainment
|
White House veggies for Obama's big night
Hong Kong director takes on Mulan with real actors
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights