Khurshid to be minister-in-waiting

The minister-in-waiting, a ceremonial facet of any head of state visit, accompanies the visiting dignitary to all important events. Khurshid will receive Obama at the Mumbai airport and accompany him to all the functions there as well as in New Delhi.

Union minister of state (independent charge) for Minority as well as Corporate Affairs, Salman Khurshid, will be the minister-in-waiting during US President Barack Obama’s November 6 - 9 visit.

HT Image

Many cabinet ministers eyed the coveted slot, but the honour finally fell in favour of Khurshid, a prominent minority leader in the Congress party.

The minister-in-waiting, a ceremonial facet of any head of state visit, accompanies the visiting dignitary to all important events. Khurshid will receive Obama at the Mumbai airport and accompany him to all the functions there as well as in New Delhi.

Junior IT minister Sachin Pilot will be the minister-in-waiting for Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika, who will be the first leader to get state banquet of the season in the Rashtapati Bhavan lawns on November 3.