Obama in India| Brown in India

President Obama's speech before the Indian parliament this morning was a clear recognition of India on a level that has not previously been seen by the United States. Speaking of a shared commitment to democracy by both countries, Obama went on to dispense with the language of the North South divide and commented that India was not emerging--it had, in fact, emerged. And, in a move likely to generate global backing almost immediately, the US President proceeded to back India's quest for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council; something which should have been accomplished a long tie ago.

Of particular significance during this trip is Obama's belief that this century is one in which India will truly make its mark on the world. India has a burgeoning IT sector, a strong vibrant and growing middle class and its captains of industry are scouting the world for investment opportunities, as did American, European and Japanese investors in the last fifty years. Its billion plus population make it attractive for international companies seeking markets for their products and services and the barriers to entry are significantly lower than those formidable obstacles in china.

President Obama's trip to India was a necessary part of his Asian visit; and he will stay there longer than he will in any other country. The billions of dollars in contracts signed will help sustain American jobs and inject much needed money into the US economy. Americans get this.

When Premier Ewart Brown went to India in search of a relationship all we heard about was the cost of the trip and accusations of a farewell tour. In retrospect, he may well be seen as having tremendous foresight in forging a relationship, now, with a country many expect will become a dominant player in the global economy.