United States President Barack Obama, accompanied by a large entourage, will arrive in Mumbai today on his maiden visit to India and come here on the forenoon, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said on Thursday. Mr. Obama will begin his India programme by paying homage to the victims of the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai, visit Mani Bhavan to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and then attend a business summit organised by the U.S. India Business Council in association with FICCI and CII.

The official component of Mr. Obama's visit is on Monday, beginning with a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to the Raj Ghat. Dr. Singh and Mr. Obama would meet in the forenoon and discuss bilateral, regional and global developments of mutual concern.They would also discuss expansion of the strategic framework of the relations on the basis of shared values and interests.

Accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama, the U.S. President's delegation is likely to include National Security Adviser Tom Donillon, Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geithner, Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack, Administrator of USAID Rajiv Shah and others. A large business and media delegations are also accompanying the President.

The Foreign Secretary recalled that Dr. Singh visited the U.S. in November last year and was given the honour of the first State visit of the Obama administration. Mr. Obama's visit would reciprocate that visit and lend continuity to the bilateral engagement and high-level dialogue.The last presidential visit to India from the U.S. was that of George Bush in 2006.

Published Date : Saturday, Nov 06, 03:20PM IST

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