India's prime minister and US President Barack Obama will meet next week to enhance their relationship, with India playing a greater role in global issues such as climate change and trade. The three-day state visit of Manmohan Singh starting on November 23 is seen as a key moment in Obama's efforts to maintain the strong relationship that began under George W. Bush. India is also viewed as a crucial player in promoting stability in South Asia, which is affected by conflicts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as terrorist attacks like the ones in Mumbai last year. The discussions between Singh and Obama will cover a wide range of topics, including reducing carbon emissions, defense contracts, and expediting the implementation of a significant civilian nuclear agreement signed last year. Singh's visit will be the first state visit of the Obama administration, underscoring his efforts to strengthen ties with Western nations and move India towards a more positive relationship with Washington after years of mistrust. The success of the trip will be determined by whether the two leaders can address any doubts about Washington's commitment to New Delhi in a region where it competes with China and Pakistan, both of which are considered priorities in U.S. foreign policy. According to Walter Andersen from Johns Hopkins University, the relationship between the two countries is strong but lacks a central defining issue, such as the civilian nuclear deal that was prominent during George Bush's presidency. The visit presents an opportunity for India and the U.S. to introduce new ideas to reinvigorate their strategic relationship. President Bill Clinton initiated efforts to strengthen ties with India in the post-Cold War era, while his successor, Bush, furthered relations with the 2008 civilian nuclear deal that lifted an embargo imposed on India in 1974. Bilateral trade between the US and India increased significantly from 1990 to 2008, rising from $5.6 billion to about $43 billion, marking a 675 percent increase. However, some in India were displeased with Obama's initial focus on Pakistan to combat the Taliban and his emphasis on relations with China, as they had hoped to build on the progress made during Bush's presidency. While relations between the US and India are generally good in terms of trade, climate change, defense sales, and counter-terrorism, there appears to be a divergence in strategic priorities. The US strategy for Afghanistan, which involves Pakistan as a key ally, has drawn criticism for overlooking the concerns of regional players like India, which is vying with Islamabad for influence in Kabul. India and Pakistan have engaged in three conflicts since gaining independence from Britain in 1947. India, currently embroiled in a border dispute with China, views the Asian nation's significant influence on the U.S. economy as leverage over Washington. Additionally, India is concerned about Chinese support for Pakistan. China, on the other hand, is worried about the Dalai Lama's presence in India. This dynamic makes India uneasy when it perceives the U.S. focusing on China and Pakistan, according to Chintamani Mahapatra, a foreign policy professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. The statement to be sought should recognize India's increased importance in the region and address the perception that the Obama administration has sidelined New Delhi. Despite this, Washington acknowledges India's value as an economic power, a large market, a flourishing IT industry, strong military capability, and potential as a counterbalance to China. One of the issues to be discussed by Singh includes the nuclear deal, which is currently stalled due to the lack of liability protection for American companies and nuclear fuel reprocessing rights for India. India is also looking for Obama's endorsement of a permanent seat for India on the U.N. Security Council. According to former U.S. ambassador to India, Frank Wisner, discussions may include strategy, economics, and global issues. If we want to accomplish any of our goals, it is essential that we have the cooperation of India.