Obama leaves for India from Washington

Leaving behind what he called a “shellacking” midterm polls, US President Barack Obama on Friday left for India from Washington to begin a 10-day four-country tour of Asia, his longest during the presidency.

He will be in India from Nov 6 to 9.

Ahead of flying from the Andrews Air ForceBase in the morning of Friday (US time), he spoke about doubling the US exports to India.

“We have to keep fighting for every job,” he said, adding that he is open to any idea or proposal to revive the economy.

He also wished the people on the occasion of Diwali.

“To those celebrating Diwali in India, I look forward to visiting you over the next few days. I wish you and loved ones Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak,” said Obama.

He will be accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama, and a high-level delegation likely to include his National Security Adviser Tom Donillon; Timothy Geithner, Secretary of Treasury; Gary Locke, Secretary of Commerce; Thomas Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture; Rajiv Shah Administrator of USAID, and others. A large business delegation and media delegation are also accompanying the President.

President Obama will reach Mumbai in the forenoon of Nov 6.

He will attend a Business Summit organized by the US India Business Council in association with FICCI and CII in Mumbai.

In New Delhi President Obama and Prime Minister will discuss bilateral, regional and global developments of mutual concern. They will also discuss how to expand the strategic framework of Indian-US relations on the basis of shared values and interests.

On conclusion of the Summit level meeting, they will preside over the meeting of the India-US CEO Forum.

Thereafter the two leaders will address a Joint Press Conference.

President Obama will address a joint session of both houses of Parliament, in the Central Hall.

President Obama leaves Delhi in the forenoon of Nov 9 for Indonesia.