Ahmedabad, DeshGujarat

It was a small function in 100 seats Atma hall on Ashram road organized by Gujarat chapter of Indo-American chamber of commerce. American consulate general from Mumbai Mr. Michael Owen was main speaker here. He delivered his speech on “future of Indo-U.S. trade”. Lecture was interesting so as the question and answer round after the lecture.

First two loaded questions were from Mr. Parimal Nathwani, who is a recently elected rajyasabha mp and Mukesh Ambani’s point man in Gujarat. Sitting next to Mr. Michael Owen on the stage, Parimal Nathwani asked “what U.S. intends to do with Pakistan that is harboring terrorist training camps to disturb peace in India. Why U.S. is mum on Pakistan sponsored terrorism and infiltration in Kashmir?” Nathwani further asked “when America is also facing threat from one community there so as India why America pro actively doesn’t seem working enough on Pakistan front?”

Mr. Michael owen responded “America for now wants to observe new government in Pakistan. Let new government settle down very well there first.”

Mr. Parimal Nathwani asked second question about Dawood Ebrahim in Pakistan. “Dawood is placed in the most wanted list by America, why America is mum on Dawood issue then? He is freely living in Pakistan and sponsoring notorious activities including acts of terror in India …”

Mr. Michael owen responded to this question saying that America had put Dawood in most wanted list. America banned Lashkar-E-Taiyaba. America shares important information regarding terrorists. America had also blocked bank accounts of terrorist organizations.

But the more heated question came from a common gentleman sitting in the first or second row. He complained Michael Oven “why Gujarat chief minister shree Narendra Modi was denied visa from U.S. ? Why did you deny visa to Modi ? He is popular leader and chief minister of this state, our state. How come U.S. denied visa to him? We in Gujarat and our Gujarati brothers in U.S. have felt very bad. We have felt humiliated because of this act by America. Now when new government is going to form in America soon, do you think new regime there will reconsider this and will give visa to shree Narendra Modi?”

Mr. Michael Owen was almost speechless for a moment. With visibly disturbed face Mr. Owen responded that a decision of denying visa to Narendra Modi was taken by Washington.”I am not allowed to talk anything on any individual case in public.” He said taking escape route.

Earlier delivering a Lincon memorial lecture here Mr. Michael Owen said “U.S. consulate visa office in Mumbai had issued 1,25,000 visas in year 2006 but in year 2007 this figure was 80% more at 2,26,000. It is very much possible that this figure may cross 3,00000 this year.”

He said that new consulate building in Mumbai would be operational from May, 2009. “This building will have double capacity and faster process. People will not have to wait outside. Big air-conditioned hall and more windows will be available in new building.” He said. He also said this was his 7th visit to Gujarat.

It should be noted that Mr. Michael Owen is going to step out from Mumbai consulate office in next July. He will be in charge of Indian affairs in U.S. department of state in Washington then after.