As one observed the lead table through the 90 minutes the dinner was in progress, what stood out was the American President's obvious bonhomie, whether it was in animated discussion with his Indian counterpart or in casual asides with the prime minister, who he described in an interview with Doordashan last week as 'really a decent fellow who is smart and capable.'

"Do you notice the body language?" an American guest at this correspondent's table (which was named Lily, one must add) pointed out, "it is remarkable."

Image: President Bush greets Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Photograph: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

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