U.S. Okay With N-Deal Understanding But Firms Will Decide

"A very big" and "very successful visit" by Obama "was not only a very important symbolic visit, not only very important in terms of all of the very positive atmospherics and the opportunity to convey deepening of the relationship", Biswal said.

It was also important because both Obama and Modi "committed not only in these agreements and outcomes, but were very focused on ensuring that these agreements and outcomes are operationalised and implemented", she said.

In response to a question on Islamic State terror group, Biswal said they "certainly had very robust discussions between our two governments, including at the leader level, about the threat that violent extremism poses, and specifically the threat posed by ISIL".

"Whether India decides to formally join the coalition to combat ISIL or whether India takes other steps is for India to determine," she said.

In response to a question about Obama`s speech on religious intolerance in New Delhi, Biswal described it as "a very powerful speech" that "speaks about shared values, frankly, that define our partnership and our relationship".

Not only in Delhi but subsequently, Obama has "talked quite compellingly about the need for all of us to be perfecting our own societies, our own democracies, as we seek to create a more perfect union, as he put it", she said.

Asked if the speech was addressed as much to the U.S. itself, Biswal said Obama`s words were "compelling on these issues that confront all communities, all societies, all countries around the globe".

Biswal said she could not claim credit for inclusion of a Shah Rukh Khan dialogue in his speech as "the president has his own long and deep personal history, interest, and engagement on India" which "far predates even his political career".

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