Dear Reader,
Greetings. We are extremely happy to bring out a special issue of Indo-US Business to mark the visit to India of President George Bush, who arrives in New Delhi on March 1, 2006. The month of March appears to bring good tidings for relations between India and the United States, the world's largest and the most powerful democracies respectively. It was in March 2000, the then US President Bill Clinton visited India, charming everybody. Many changes have taken place in the last six years, altering the global power equations permanently. India and the US have become strategic partners in progress as well as their fight against terrorism. President Bush brings with him a solid agenda of carrying forward the strategic partnership the two countries had forged during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the US last July. We carry a detailed cover story on President Bush's visit, which raises expectations high in terms of the outcome. President Bush and Prime Minister Singh are expected to hammer out an agreement on a vast range of issues. The issue also carries a report on Indian Budget, which lays stress on agriculture and poverty alleviation. We also present an article on India's Economic Survey, which calls for further reforms. The issue showcases a special section on four states, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Kerala, focusing on the investment opportunities available there. All the four states offer incentive to foreign investors in various industrial sectors ranging from information technology to energy and infrastructure. In an interview, Maharashtra's Industry Secretary V.K. Jairath talks about how the state is emerging as a global player in attracting investment. The highlight of Madhya Pradesh is an article on the state's fiscal discipline and the rewards it has reaped, thanks to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister talks about turning his state into India's power hub. Kerala's showpiece is its tourist appeal. There is a success story of Global Trade Finance Ltd, which has posted a remarkable growth during the last few years. We carry a detailed interview with the company's MD & CEO Arvind Sonmale, who says the world markets are just ripe for Indian exports. Sanjay Kothari of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, talks about the Indian jewellery products and how President Bush's visit will add both visibility and value to their export to the US. We have reports on Daya Solutions, a Bangalore-based software company, the recent celebrations of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or the convergence of Non-resident Indians and people of Indian origin at Hyderabad. Plus we have the news from the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and other regular features.
Wish you happy reading

Satya Swaroop
Managing Editor
satya@newmediacomm.biz