Relationship between India, US will help boost trade: USIBC

The US-Indian Business Council (USIBC) on Sunday stated that the growing relationship between New Delhi and Washington, as evidenced by US President Barack Obama's three-day visit of India, will help boost trade between both nations.

"The President accepting the Prime Minister's gracious offer as guest at the Republic Day... is an affirmation of the importance of the commercial relationship. I think it speaks volumes to the renewed commitment that both the governments feel about the importance of the relationship and that can only help to boost trade," USIBC president Diane Farrell said.

"The strengthened trade relationship between US companies and the Government of India, when it comes to defence procurement, is an illustration of how, when governments get together and agree that there are strategic important, that the commercial side can follow," she added.

Diane Farrell also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his excellent CEO focus.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior members of his government have done an excellent job of communicating their priorities. The description I would like to give about this Prime Minister has the CEO focus and the priority objectives that he wants to see and since many of them are economically related it makes sense that he will have the CEO perspective," she said.

Earlier in the day, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama landed in New Delhi for their three-day visit of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at the Air Force Station at Palam to greet the visiting dignitaries.

Later, President Pranab Mukherjee formally welcomed his US counterpart to India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Obama was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, with a grand welcome ceremony followed by the Guard of Honour. The US President also received a 21-gun salute.

President Obama also visited Raj Ghat, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi via a wreath and planting a sapling at his final resting place.