Thu Nov 13, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is a solid supporter of the growing Indo-U.S. strategic partnership and backs the landmark bilateral nuclear deal, but has strong views about outsourcing of U.S. jobs overseas, a cause of concern for Indian businesses.
Obama is said to have a close affinity with things Indian. He carries a miniature figure of Lord Hanuman for luck and had a picture of Mahatma Gandhi placed in his Senate office.
In a message of India’s 62nd Independence Day, Obama had said Gandhi’s active role in India’s independence movement has “inspired generations of young people around the world to pursue freedom in their own countries.”
“As freedom faces challenges in many parts of the world, his (Gandhi’s) example is even more relevant. This enduring legacy is one of the great gifts of India’s revolution,” Obama had said.
He felt that it was “only natural” that the world’s oldest and largest constitutional democracies should enjoy “strong relations”. America and India share many common goals and interests and the U.S. is New Delhi’s largest trading and investment partner, Obama had noted.
“With India, America has one of its most important relationships in an uncertain world...both countries, India and America, are working to protect their people and values of 21st century threats while at the same time respecting the rule of law and cultural pluralism,” the African-American leader said.
Obama initially had reservations about the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal and had even introduced a ‘killer amendment’ when the deal was first debated in the Foreign Relations Committee, but later backed it strongly both in the floor of Senate and outside.
Obama told an Indian magazine before the Manmohan Singh government’s July 22 trust vote that the nuclear agreement effectively balances a range of issues—from America’s strategic ties with India to its non-proliferation concerns to India’s energy needs.
The Democrat has also ruled out the possibility of renegotiation of the deal if he came to power.
However, one factor that is creating unease among Indians is Obama’s strong anti-outsourcing stance, which came to fore repeatedly during the campaign trail.Still, Indian-Americans have overwhelmingly backed Obama amid hopes that his election will open the doors for others in the migrant communities to strive and succeed like him.
A large number of the Indian-American community especially the second generation have enthusiastically supported Obama and embraced his message of change.
Obama, all through his campaign, took care to reach out to the Indian-American community, sending wishes to them on Diwali, independence day and on tercentenary celebrations of consecration of Guru Granth Sahib.
“Indian-Americans balance love of the homeland with a strong commitment to America, and their knowledge, skills, values and entrepreneurial spirit have immeasurably benefited both countries. These efforts have played a significant role in creating a blueprint for bilateral relations that bring our nations closer,” he had said. (PTI)
http://www.indiajournal.com/pages/event.php?id=5110