After his setback in the election, a contrite President Obama admitted that he was out of touch with the public for not putting the economy first. In his own words, he got a "shellacking".
The 9.5% unemployment rate was the single biggest factor for Obama's setback. In India, he will job-hunt, hoping that India can offer employment opportunities for America's faltering economy.
The new balance of power in the US Congress will affect Obama's policy on Pakistan and China. Republicans have generally been seen as more pragmatic in their approach towards India.
The Obama visit means that shops have to close in South Mumbai at a time when they do the most business. Residents aren't impressed with the long list of dos and don'ts.