R 200713Z MAY 09
FM AMCONSUL CHENNAI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 2274
INFO AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 
AMCONSUL KOLKATA 
AMCONSUL MUMBAI 
AMCONSUL HYDERABAD

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