JOIN USIndia’s chances of joining the Nuclear Support Group appeared to have improved after it signed the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), which would help it make good its commitments relating to the civil nuclear deal with the US in 2005.
After Obama on Wednesday held out no assurances to India on supporting its bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and ending curbs on export of dual-use technology, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao sought to dispel doubts on these issues, saying she “would not draw such stark conclusions”. Admitting that the issues were by their nature “very complex”, Rao said India and the US were having “continuing discussions on them in a candid, open and transparent way”. The three nuclear blocs control the global trade in sensitive dual-use technologies.
While uncertainties cloud the outcome of the Presidential visit, what is certain is that Obama will land in Mumbai on Saturday accompanied by a retinue occupying two jumbo jets.
Considering the background of terror strikes on Mumbai, including the November 26, 2008 sea-borne attack, a fleet of 34 American warships, including an aircraft carrier, in addition to the Indian Coast Guard and Navy warships, have been deployed off the Mumbai coast to patrol the seas ahead of Obama’s arrival. According to airport sources, Obama will arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, escorted by two US Air Force jumbos and four helicopters, which have surveillance and bombing capabilities, as there have been reports of possible air-borne terror strikes in Mumbai.
In preparation for his arrival, Mumbai has been turned into a fortress. The movement of all incoming and outgoing aircraft will be suspended six minutes before and after Air Force One lands. Normally, during VVIP visits, no flight movement is allowed three minutes prior to and three minutes after landing. During Obama’s visit that period has been extended to six minutes before and six minutes after the aircraft lands.