After the Obamas in November, the big guests for Mumbai in December will be French President Nicholas Sarkozy and his celebrity wife Carla Bruni.
While US president is certain to stay at Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai, it is not known whether the French guests too will check in the same hotel though it is said to be on their radar. As per the plans now, French president will be in Delhi on December 6 for his official engagements, and will be in Mumbai next day. Though when Sarkozi came to India last in 2008 as the Republic day chief guest his nuptials with Carla was not a reality. And there were expectations of the fiancé accompanying him, sending the protocol-conscious officials into tizzy-but it didn't happen though.
Amidst rumours, part scotched part not, of a rift between the two, this time Sarkozy is accompanied by his wife, Carla this time, government sources said. So, it was not known whether, the long-standing desire of Sarkozi who went to the monument of love, Taj Mahal, in 2008 to come back there with Carla, will take place this time or not.
HT had first reported about President Obama's plans to visit Mumbai. And Ministry of External Affairs is of late using the symbolic as well as substantive importance of Mumbai after 26/11 for reiterating India's resolve to fight terrorism. Obama is set to visit one or two spot where the terrorist unleashed attacks, as well, government sources said. And as of now that the dates of his visit is between November 6 and 10 though no formal announcement is made it. External Affairs Ministry had its last consultative committee meeting in Mumbai recently and External Affairs Minister also a former governor of Maharashtra had taken a tour around the hotel, then. Speaking to a group of journalists this morning Krishna had said "the export control regime as well as the outsourcing issue will be part of agenda during Obama's visit."
"There are some serious reservations being expressed in Indias IT industry about outsourcing and the tightening of visa rules. These are the kind of issues that will be discussed," External Affairs Minister Minister said. But he added that "commonalities between India and the US are so strong that the problems in perception on some issues cannot not mar the relationship."
{{/usCountry}}"There are some serious reservations being expressed in Indias IT industry about outsourcing and the tightening of visa rules. These are the kind of issues that will be discussed," External Affairs Minister Minister said. But he added that "commonalities between India and the US are so strong that the problems in perception on some issues cannot not mar the relationship."
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