Those who thought they had seen a message in the fact that Barack Obama went to Mumbai as soon as he arrived in India and directly to the Taj Mahal [the palace], targeted by the Nov. 26, 2008, attack, were not wrong.
“A message?” asked the American president after having signed the victims’ condolence book.
“Absolutely.”
He wrote an entire paragraph in the visitors’ book:
“We will always remember the events of 26/11; not only the sorrow, but also the courage and humanity that was displayed that day. The United States stands in solidarity with all of Mumbai and all of India in working to eradicate the scourge of terrorism, and we affirm our lasting friendship with the Indian people.”
Protocol got heated. Since two helicopters broke down, the advisers were delayed. One was speechwriter Jon Favreau, who was carrying the presidential speech.
But the message was not only the joint fight against terrorism. It was also a tribute to the city of Bombay.
“The symbol of Indian energy,” he said.
In regard to energy, the press is not the last. It couldn’t care less about the security requirements and disclosed all the ins and outs of the American president.
It denounced the fact that he came to India to look for jobs for the United States, whereas he gave nothing in return on issues that interest India: candidacy on the Security Council; greater flexibility in export regulations …
Several local government officials threatened to boycott the ceremonies: They had been asked to provide their passport number.
Newspapers were also stunned by the security measures: the fact that airspace was closed for four hours because Obama travelled by helicopter; the display of American warships.
In short, the Indians were touchy. Extremely rare was the fact that there was no American flag in the press room. …
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