On the nuclear front, while welcoming the signing of the Convention on Supplemental Compensation by India as a ‘positive step’, a senior US administration officer has said Washington is seeking a ‘ level playing field’ for their companies.

“What we seek is a level playing field for our companies. India leadership has said that’s what it wants to ensure, too, and so I think we’re making progress,” William Burns, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs said in Washington, ahead of the Presidential visit.

From defence deals to outsourcing and trade, the tenor of the visit is to focus on job creation and business for US companies. A top US official said one of the ‘major themes’ that Obama will emphasise is India as a ‘tremendous market’.

“I think one of the major themes I think that the President is likely to emphasise is that while that is part of the relationship, India is also a tremendous market, potential market, for US exports and a source of investment back in the US,” Deputy NSA for International Economic Affairs, Mike Froman said.

Holding that the trade relationship between the countries is ‘broadly balanced’, officials said Obama’s message will stress the “tangible impact in supporting and creating jobs here in America” as business opportunities are opened up in India.

An extensive itinerary

Obama will begin his India visit on November 6 with a message of condolence for the victims of 26/11 and will then celebrate Diwali with school children along with First Lady Michelle.

He will visit the Gandhi Museum in Mumbai where he is also scheduled to attend a major business meeting, before heading to New Delhi, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communication Ben Rhodes said in Washington, briefing reporters on Obama’s maiden trip to India from November 6 to November 9.

Obama will celebrate the festival of lights with children in Mumbai. But Diwali celebrations will not commence until he pays homage to the victims of 26/11 on November 6 at the Taj Hotel.

“The first event that the President will do will be a statement at the Taj Hotel, where he’s staying, to commemorate the Mumbai terrorist attacks,” said Rhodes.

Obama will then visit the Gandhi Museum. The US President considers Mahatma Gandhi as one of his inspirations.

“... the example of Gandhi is one that has inspired Americans, inspired African-Americans, including Dr (Martin Luther) King, and is very personally important to the president,” Rhodes said.

Obama will attend a business summit organised by the US-India Business Council, Rhodes said. He will also participate in a roundtable with entrepreneurs, another one with some US CEOs, before delivering a speech to the business summit.

Obama’s stay in Mumbai will stretch to two days and is focused on the future partnership that the US trying to build with India — a relationship that the US believes is indispensable to shaping the 21st century.

He will also hold a town hall interaction with university students and talk with them about the future of India-US ties.

Obama is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on the evening of November 7, with the16th century monument Humayun’s Tomb being his first cultural stop.

His official programme in Delhi will begin after a stop at Rajghat followed by a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister and a press conference. The same day Obama will address Parliament.