In one of his smartest diplomatic manouvres since assuming the Presidency 10 months ago,Barack Obama welcomed Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife on a State visit in the East Room of the White House,yesterday.To me India has a most significant role to play in Asia and globally at this time.As India prepares to flex her muscles in the world theatre,here are a few things that President Obama might want to take cognizance of  -

[1]India and America are two of the largest democracies in the world.

[2]Both were former colonies of England so therefore there is a language in common.

[3]Both have fantastic  home markets so that trade ,business ,educational and cultural  opportunities abound.

[4]India has a rapidly expanding educated middle class.

[5]India and america strengthening ties at this point can translate into a stronger and more stable Asia which will mean more jobs in Asia and America and can lead to the firming up of the world's economy.

[6]Obama is beginning to get the formula right at last.America,India and Japan might be a beginning of sorts.Add to this the UK, EUROPE and Africa.  China and the rest will fall in line.

So then, this meeting of two of the world's most powerful leaders can only augur well for America,India and indeed the  entire world, on the eve of Thanksgiving.Happy Thanksgiving!