India's prime minister and US President Barack Obama are set to meet next week in order to strengthen ties between the two nations. India, an emerging Asian power, is increasingly playing a larger role on global issues such as climate change and trade. Manmohan Singh's three-day state visit, starting on November 23, is viewed by New Delhi as an important indicator of Obama's commitment to maintaining a relationship that began to deepen under his predecessor George W. Bush. India is also recognized as a significant geopolitical player in bringing stability to a South Asian region marked by violence in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as militant attacks like those in Mumbai last year. During their discussions, Singh and Obama will address a range of issues including reducing carbon emissions, multi-billion dollar defense contracts, and expediting the completion of a landmark civilian nuclear deal signed the previous year. Singh's visit will be the first state visit of the Obama administration, underscoring the prime minister's personal efforts to strengthen ties with Western economies and move India away from decades of mistrust with Washington. The trip's success will be determined by whether the two leaders can address any doubts about Washington's commitment to New Delhi, especially in a region where it competes with China and Pakistan, both of which are important U.S. foreign policy priorities. Walter Andersen from Johns Hopkins University's South Asia Studies center mentioned that although the relationship between India and the U.S. is good, it lacks a defining issue like the civilian nuclear deal that characterized the relationship during George Bush's presidency. This visit presents an opportunity for both countries to introduce new ideas to strengthen their strategic partnership. President Bill Clinton initiated efforts to build ties with modern India after the Cold War, and this was further enhanced by Bush's civilian nuclear deal in 2008, which lifted a 1974 embargo imposed on India after it conducted a nuclear test. Bilateral trade between India and the United States saw a significant increase from $5.6 billion in 1990 to around 43 billion in 2008, marking a 675 percent rise. However, some in India were displeased with Obama's early focus on Pakistan in the fight against the Taliban and his emphasis on relations with China, as they had hoped to build on Bush's legacy. According to Stephen Cohen, a South Asia specialist at the Brookings Institution, while relations on secondary issues like trade, climate change, defense sales, and counter-terrorism are good and may improve, there appears to be a divergence at the strategic level. The U.S. strategy for Afghanistan, which involves Pakistan as a key ally, has been criticized for overlooking the concerns of regional countries like India, which competes with Pakistan for influence in Kabul. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1947, India and Pakistan have engaged in three wars. India is concerned about China's growing influence in the U.S. economy, which it sees as leverage Beijing has over Washington. Additionally, India is worried about Chinese support for Pakistan. On the other hand, Beijing is troubled by the presence of the Dalai Lama in India. Foreign policy professor Chintamani Mahapatra from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi explains that India becomes anxious when it sees the U.S. focusing on China and Pakistan. "It will seek a statement that recognizes India's increased importance in the region and addresses the fact that the Obama administration has marginalized New Delhi. Washington recognizes India's value as an economic power, a large market, a thriving IT industry, strong military, and potential counterbalance to China. Prime Minister Singh will address issues such as the nuclear deal, liability protection for American firms, and nuclear fuel reprocessing rights. India also hopes for Obama's support for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council. Former U.S. ambassador to India, Frank Wisner, emphasized the importance of discussing strategy, economics, and global issues." If we want to accomplish any of our goals, it is essential for us to have the cooperation of India.