Obama began with "Namaste," which came at the start of a remarkable press conference that revealed serious new growth in Indian - US relations. The chandelier pictured below gives you the ambiance infusing the state visit by Prime Minister Singh.
The backdrop to this is more speculation about troop increases in Afghanistan, with McClatchy having the latest, set at 34,000 troops. Obama will now have to convince the American people.
The view from inside the East Room of the White House foreshadowed the importance of what is taking place today. As I watched President Obama and PM Singh, it was clear that what was being signaled from the administration is a sincere effort to stress the "deepening cooperation" between our two countries that means something different than what has transpired in the past. Obama said the U.S. - India relationship would be a "defining partnership of the 21st century."
And if you're wondering where Obama is heading on Afghanistan, all you have to do is listen to his words today. "Our core goal is to achieve peace and security for all peoples of the region."
Regional security is clearly seen as a strategic goal of Obama, who also said today that "It is my intent to finish the job."
Mark Knoller of CBS got the first question, which played out rather humorously. "I suspect you don't want my colleagues and I to rely on leaks until next week." Obama smiled, then said, "Why stop now?" McClatchy blew that one out of the water.
Obama emphasized on Afghanistan that it's important "not just to the United States, but it's important to the world."
Prime Minister Singh nodded in agreement.
These two things taken together tell you all you need to know about what Obama was telegraphing today. Saying his words should be "sufficient preview until after Thanksgiving," also giving the impression that a formal address to the nation is coming next week. Everyone is betting Tuesday.
Seeing the solidarity between Obama and Singh today, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in how Obama interacts with leaders that had little connection to the previous administration or the rabble that is criticizing his every foreign policy move.
And all you had to do was listen to the two leaders today as they talked about their nuclear commitment to see Obama's goals extend toward the future.
"As nuclear powers, we can be full partners in preventing the spread of the world's most deadly weapons, securing loose nuclear materials from terrorists, and pursuing our shared vision of a world without nuclear weapons." - Obama
Obama acknowledged the horrific Mumbai attacks of one year ago, joining "our Indian friends in remembering the horrific attacks in Mumbai year ago."
When the first state dinner of his term was announced, I was curious to see what message was being sent. It's clear that even as Obama talks about China, the importance of our relationship with India is clearer than ever.
Taylor Marsh, with podcasts available on iTunes.
Follow Taylor Marsh on Twitter: www.twitter.com/taylormarsh
