Sarah Palin to visit India next month

Lalit K Jha
Washington, Feb 24 (PTI) US Republican leader Sarah
Palin will make her first trip to India next month to attend a
conference and speak on her vision of America.
The conservative former Alaska Governor, who was the
Republican vice presidential candidate in 2008 elections, has
often been criticised for her lack of understanding on matters
of foreign policy.
The unsuccessful run as John McCain's potential deputy
notwithstanding, she has dropped hints that she was
considering a 2012 presidential run as the Republican
candidate.
The visit would be to attend the India Today Conclave
on March 19, which among others would be addressed by Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh.
Her programme was revealed by her top advisor Rebecca
Mansour in a tweet which also gave a link to the schedule of
the conference.
Palin would deliver the dinner key note address on 'My
Vision of America' and she would also be the chief guest of
the gala dinner.
This would be her first trip to India.
During her vice presidential campaign, Palin had met
Manmohan Singh in New York when the Indian leader was
attending the UN General Assembly Session in 2008.
The decision of Palin to travel to India was welcomed
by some in the Indian American community.
Indian American Conservative Council chairman Dino
Teppara noted that Palin has been a strong pro-business
conservative voice.
"It is only fitting that Governor Palin travel to New
Delhi since India is an economic partner with the United
States, with both nations benefiting from USD 50 billion in
annual trade, along with mutual cooperation in the global war
on terrorism," Teppara said.
"We appreciate Governor Palin's strong, pro-business
positions and congratulate her for making India her first
international destination, since our two nations share unique
political and cultural synergies in our bilateral
relationship," he said.