Last words of two world leaders…in their own way

We all waited in the true Indian spirit. The Indian Prime Minister was late. A compelling reason though – he was in conversation with the American President Barrack Obama.
After the ‘useful and productive’ meeting (in his words) that had covered issues of security and climate change, Dr Manmohan Singh spoke about the $1.1 trillion that will bring back jobs, growth and stability. “Recapitalizing the banking system is essential to normalise credit flows – mere fiscal stimulus cannot have expected results.” True enough?
What about the chronic poverty that ails millions in India? Not surprisingly, the subject was not broached even as the suave and soft-spoken PM admitted that there was still much more left to do while listing his government’s achievements. Indian journalists were more concerned about Pakistan’s terror antics and India’s response to it.
As I moved to the adjoining briefing room to hear US President Barrack Obama’s take, it was not difficult to figure his popular win last year. In his strong compelling voice, he was ably fielding queries being thrown by the crowding media. (With a dash of charm and wit)
While he admitted the G20 was not the panacea that would take care of the remains of toxic assets in US and European banks, he also claimed it had created a good foundation in boosting global demand and growth. But what really caught my attention was his view on the India-Pakistan terror issue, and here I quote, “In a nuclear age when the greatest enemy of India and Pakistan should be poverty, it may be more effective to create a dialogue between India and Pakistan.” Amen to that.