Clinton's India Mission

[Guest guest]

Vajpayee may host dinner for Clinton

S Rajagopalan

(Washington, March 26)

 

A YEAR ago, Bill Clinton took India by storm with the first visit by

a US president in 22 years. A week from now, he embarks on a repeat

visit: This time as a private citizen, trying to win the hearts and

minds of quake-ravaged Gujarat for which he has mounted a major fund-

raising initiative.

 

The first overseas visit since Clinton demitted office in January

gets under way on April 3. It will take him to Bhuj and Ahmedabad,

and later to Mumbai, Calcutta and New Delhi. A group of prominent

Indian-American personalities associated with the Clinton initiative

will accompany him.

 

Clinton, according to Indian-American sources, is already estimated

to have raised some $12 million for Gujarat. Community activists hope

Clinton will succeed in mobilising a total of $50 million.

 

For one weighed down by a raging controversy over his last

presidential act of granting pardon to billionaire fugitive Marc

Rich, Clinton will get an opportunity to turn the spotlight on a

humanitarian activity that he has been spearheading.

 

This effort will be in sharp contrast to the Republicans' rejection

of a Democrat-sponsored bid last week to get the US to commit a $550

million aid complement for Gujarat and El Salvador.

 

Even with this rejection, Indian-American sources expect the Bush

administration to eventually come up with a $100 million package for

Gujarat.

 

Although Clinton's visit has no political significance, he will meet

the political leadership while in Delhi towards the end of his five-

day visit. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is expected to host a

dinner in his honour.

 

The reception that he received last year prompted Clinton to rate the

India visit as one of the most memorable ones of his presidency.

While in Gujarat, Clinton will hold consultations with the State

Government as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which

have been active in relief and reconstruction activities.

 

A report from Mumbai said the Ambanis will host a reception for

Clinton after he completes his Gujarat visit.

 

>From Mumbai, he is slated to go to Kolkata to visit Mother Teresa's

Missionaries of Charity and then proceed to New Delhi.