ISAS Insights

India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US President Barack Obama had their third summit at the White House in Washington on 27 September 2013. This would probably be their last summit, unless Dr Singh gets a third prime ministerial term after the Indian general elections expected to be held by April-May 2014. President Obama made a special gesture to make Dr Singh's visit memorable. He organised a working lunch at the White House - only second such lunch so far by him for a visiting head of state/government. And, he personally walked down the White House portico ignoring the set protocol to see Dr Singh off. US First Lady Michelle Obama also extended a special courtesy to Dr Singh's wife, Mrs Gursharan Kaur, by hosting her over tea at the White House while the two leaders were engaged in official deliberations.