This refers to the editorial "Three days in New Delhi" (January 28). US President Barack Obama demonstrated how particular he was in concentrating on outstanding issues rather than new concerns. In the civil nuclear deal, except for the Narendra Modi government agreeing to compensate the disaster fund, the Obama administration was business-like in agreeing to the sufficiency of multilateral inspection and liability clause. Similarly, the US' preparedness for the extension of the defence framework agreement by 10 years, working together on counter-terrorism and promotion of renewal energy and solar power should go a long way in establishing closer collaboration in transfer of technology and sophisticated soft skills.
Obama was forthright in his speech at the Siri Fort auditorium, covering the dynamic aspects of life. Stressing that poverty alleviation and exploring the potential of women in society would make a country successful, he appreciated women's rise in every walk of life in India. India will succeed, he said, if it is not splintered along religious lines. In the radio talk "Mann ki Baat", Obama pointed out that modern governments cannot rule through a top-down approach but reach out to people in an inclusive way and engage in dialogue with citizens for charting out the direction of their country. This was a good reminder.
K U Mada Mumbai
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