India's growing middle class, which is anxious to play a larger role in the global economy, wants both sides to put divisive political issues behind them - and focus on the business potential of the relationship. A senior corporate executive,Varun Mehta, says most people are not interested in issues such as nuclear non-proliferation that have been a bone of contention between the two countries. Yes it will be a very significant event, and will definitely go to improve Indo-US relations, but to my mind they should concentrate more on economic and business issues rather than political issues, which will of course have an impact once the relations are on the right side, and business climate improves. Others hope the visit means that the world's two largest democracies have finally found some meeting ground. It's a very major milestone, and I think both sides desire to come closer together.
Atmosphere is now very, very congenial.
Both of them want to improve the relationship, and there is no reason why it should not work, because it seems to me both have very common objectives, economically, politically, the way they view the world. Many others are reserving judgement on the trip until they hear what President Clinton has to say while in India. He is the most powerful person in the world you know. He is coming to this country, it's a great moment. Now let's see, his coming, what difference it will make to this country - is it just an eyewash coming and going, or will they do something concrete for our country.