“India represents future of US engagement,” White House

The US is keen to work with India on security, political and economic issues and President Barack Obama’s visit represents the future of American engagement with a strong player within Asia and the global stage, the White House said.

“We welcome an India that is a strong player on the global stage, that is a strong player within Asia. “We see India as exactly the type of country that represents the future of American engagement whereby we strengthen our economy by exporting more, but also working more closely on security and political issues,” the official said indicating that the focus of Obama’s trip would be economy in addition to global and regional security challenges.Obama will arrive in New Delhi on Sunday to be the chief guest at India’s 66th Republic Day Parade on January 26.

The official said the Obama Administration sees importance of Asia to American foreign policy both in terms of its commitment to democracy and to opening of the markets.

Meanwhile, according to sources, a lot of discussion between Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be devoted to assessing progress in bilateral ties.

They acknowledged that the two leaders are likely to discuss regional and international relations, but noted that economy related issues might dominate the proceedings.