Khurshid, minister-in-waiting for Obama, feels honoured

Union Minister Salman Khurshid, who has been chosen to be minister-in-waiting for US President Barack Obama during his visit to India from Saturday, termed the assignment as "opportunity of a lifetime".

Union Minister Salman Khurshid, who has been chosen to be minister-in-waiting for US President Barack Obama during his visit to India from Saturday, termed the assignment as "opportunity of a lifetime".

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Though he has played the role of a minister-in-waiting for many heads of states, including the President of Iran and South African President Nelson Mandela, Khurshid said he was also a "little bit overawed".

"I am certainly honoured that the Prime Minister has given me this assignment.....Of course, it is an opportunity of a lifetime to be with a head of state in such close vicinity...just taking it as it comes," he told reporters.

He said he will receive a proper briefing over his role by the External Affairs Minister. Asked about the issues that are likely to be taken up with Obama, he said "That I can't say. I am only supposed to accompany him.

There will be briefing on that by the MEA, but all I can say is that we are preparing for him very eagerly. And it is very important and historic opportunity for the two countries to take our good relationship forward." He said his attempt would be to give a good impression about the system here and paint a fair picture of the country.