On India visit, job creation Obama's top priority?

New Delhi: When Barack Obama took over recession battered America, there was hope that the economy reeling under the impact of its worst crisis since the great depression will turn around quickly.

Two years later, American voters remain terribly unhappy with the state of their economy. The recession may have given way to recovery, but growth remains largely jobless with an unacceptably high unemployment rate that has stubbornly been at the 9.5 per cent mark for over a year.

It is not a surprise that the economy has overshadowed all other issues in the mid-term polls. Six in ten voters have named the economy as the nation's number one problem.

Roughly four in ten said their family's financial condition has worsened under Obama.

Bad economics always makes bad politics, and that's why when Obama lands in India on Saturday he will mean business right from touchdown. Corporate India is hoping it will get a chance to raise concerns on protectionism and outsourcing, but expect the American President to be on a job hunt, hoping that India creates employment opportunities for the recession hit economy.

Obama will be accompanied by 250 chief executives - the largest contingent of business delegates to accompany the President on a state visit. He is hoping some big deals will be clinched, that in turn will lead to jobs being created.

It is no accident then that Obama will be devoting a large part of his first day towards strengthening economic ties with India, and meeting with Indian industrialists and CEOs. Corporate America on its part will push for greater market access, and more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

"We come from the retail business and I think there are a lot of expectations on FDI and retail getting discussed also," said Kishore Biyani, CEO, Future Group.

Obama knows he has to deliver jobs. The mid-term polls have made it clear that his own job is at risk.