SOUTH INDIAN VIEWS ON U.S. PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND THE FIRST

UNCLAS CHENNAI 000150


FOR SCA/PPD, IIP/NEA-SCA

AMCONSUL CALCUTTA, MUMBAI AND HYDERABAD FOR PAOS, DPAOS, CAOS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP PREL SCUL KPAO CVIS CASC IN
SUBJECT: SOUTH INDIAN VIEWS ON U.S. PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND THE FIRST
100 DAYS

REF: STATE 21427


1. SUMMARY: As suggested reftel, PAS Chennai invited a diverse
range of contacts to a "working reception" to solicit their ideas
for increasing mutual understanding between India and the U.S. We
also asked participants their opinions regarding the new
Administration's first 100 days in office. As post prepares its
FY-2010 outreach strategy, it intends to incorporate the valuable
input received from Indians about how best to engage them. Post
intends to conduct a follow-up event at the one year mark of the new
Administration to keep the dialogue going. END SUMMARY.


We asked the opinion-makers what they think


2. Although we informally solicit ideas and opinions from
interlocutors on a regular basis, per reftel, post invited a diverse
range of contacts to the Consul General's residence to solicit their
thoughts in an open forum held April 18. Approximately fifty
opinion-makers attended, including elected student leaders,
politicians, secular and religious community leaders, business
persons, academics and think tank scholars. Many participants were
alumnae of U.S. government exchange programs. This audience
enthusiastically gave their views and requested more programs which
involved "listening" to the Indian perspective.


Program Format


3. After a brief welcome by the Consul General, our Pol/Econ
officer outlined the key achievements of the Obama Administration's
first 100 days. Then the audience was divided into groups for a
discussion of ways in which to enhance mutual understanding between
India and the U.S. and to reflect on the new Administration's
initial policy directions.


Suggestions regarding Public Diplomacy Outreach in India


4. Many of the suggestions for enhancing mutual understanding
between India and the U.S. included activities the Mission already
conducts. We also got some good suggestions on how to foster
greater understanding of the U.S. in India. Post is taking the most
valuable suggestions into consideration while planning its outreach
calendar for FY 2010.


Suggested Topics for Mission Programs


5. Suggested topics for mission programs included: 1) addressing
controversial topics, such as U.S. assistance to Pakistan or
outsourcing, as new policies are made public; 2) giving maximum
publicity to President Obama's new initiatives; 3) sharing
information on the Administration's environmental policies; 4)
addressing the impression that U.S. visa policies discriminate
against Muslims; 5) initiating dialogue about H-1B temporary work
visa policies; 6) facilitating interfaith dialogue; 7) promoting
student-centered education and interactive teaching strategies; 8)
exchanging ideas on how to strengthen democratic institutions; 9)
focusing on the similarities between the two countries; and 10)
sustaining dialogue to address myths about America.


Talking Points, Technology, and Translating SPAN


6. Several attendees urged that the Consulate engage more regularly
with the media and other groups of opinion-makers on new policy
initiatives. Engagement on policy issues could help drive the
message and avoid misunderstandings taking hold in the public
imagination, especially on hot topics like U.S. policy towards
Pakistan and Afghanistan, outsourcing, and climate change. Several
attendees also suggested greater use of technology to expand the
reach of Consulate programs, such as web chats and streaming of
seminars, concerts and digital video conferences on the Consulate
website. Translating SPAN into South Indian languages would make it
accessible to millions of additional readers, one contact noted.


Promoting Linkages, Teaching English and Travel


7. Attendees urged the Consulate take a more active role in
facilitating linkages between Indian and American counterparts,
including think tanks, academic institutions, non-governmental
organizations, teacher exchanges, and sister cities. One contact
suggested that an office be established to facilitate
Indian-American partnerships. Several attendees also requested
expansion of the Access English micro-scholarship program and other
English Language programs to as many government schools as possible.
Participants also advocated for increased travel of Americans to
southern India - from the Ambassador in New Delhi to senior level
policy-makers, students and scholars from the U.S. - and that visits
should include rural areas and smaller cities.


Culture, American Studies and a Digital Video Conference with
President Obama


8. Attendees suggested more cultural programs that cover a broad
range of American music, dance, theater, literature, etc., and
include high-profile performers. Several participants offered high
praise for the former American Studies Resources Center at Osmania
University in Hyderabad and stated that reviving or recreating a
center for American Studies in India would greatly contribute to
study and understanding of the U.S. The audience applauded the
suggestion for a digital video conference or live web chat with
President Obama to allow them to directly communicate their ideas to
the President.


General Suggestions for Strengthening Indo-U.S. relations


9. Participants also offered the following suggestions to improve
Indo-U.S. relations, most of which are covered by inter-agency and
mission programs: 1) support developing countries' access to
carbon-free energy; 2) support Indian counter-terrorism efforts; 3)
apply transparent mechanisms when funding is given to Pakistan; 4)
negotiate bilateral agreements to address cross-border disputes,
especially in cases involving domestic violence; 5) include India as
a level playing country in patenting and biotech issues; 6) sign a
defense treaty; 7) ease travel restrictions (clearances, visas)
between the two countries; 8) avoid protectionism; and 9) provide
positive information about India to Americans in the United States
to clear misconceptions and advance ties - because greater
understanding of India (trade opportunities, educational
opportunities, culture, etc.) among Americans would enhance
friendship and ties, it is therefore in both countries interest.


What Indians said about the First 100 Days


10. Reviews of President Obama's first 100 days were overwhelmingly
positive. The Administration's performance and leadership on issues
ranging from climate change, women's issues, and America's
relationship with the Islamic world were given high marks. Most
participants specifically praised President Obama's leadership
style, noting his willingness to listen, and expressed high
expectations of his Administration. Post submitted the full text of
participant responses to the America.gov First 100 Days blog and the
White House website.


11. Comment: Chennai thanks the Department for suggesting this
type of outreach activity and, based on the results, strongly
recommends it as a means to substantively engage key audiences.
Post intends to direct public diplomacy resources to the
subject-matter areas mentioned, plans to multiply the benefit of
programs through technology, including Adobe Connect, and welcomes
ideas from the Department and other posts on how we may take other
suggestions forward.


KAPLAN