He fumbled while reading from the text of his speech and had to correct himself on several occasions

Hindustan Times

The rescheduling of what is being seen as an important visit - it is the first official visit to the US by the Indian prime minister - is said to have sparked off unease in Delhi's political circles.

"Mr Vajpayee's health has been the cause of some concern ever since he abruptly returned home last Sunday from the BJP's National Council meeting in Nagpur," said the Hindustan Times.

The prime minister left the party convention midway after complaining of pain in his knees.

The Hindu said Mr Vajpayee's aides have insisted that there is nothing wrong with his health apart from his troublesome knees.

Mr Vajpayee cannot stand for long

"However, the sceptics remain unconvinced. It is now obvious that the revised - and the much lighter - itinerary would allow Mr. Vajpayee enough time to consult doctors in New York, if he were so inclined," it said.

The Hindustan Times reported that Mr Vajpayee's condition was evident at a conference in Delhi on Wednesday.

"The PM arrived half an hour late and remained seated while delivering his speech. He fumbled while reading from the text of his speech and had to correct himself on several occasions," it said.

There is apprehension that alternative arrangements might have to be made for the US visit

The Asian Age

The Asian Age wondered if the prime minister's condition would affect two important speeches he is due to deliver - at a United Nations summit and another to the US Congress.

"Given the fact that the prime minister had problems standing on his feet for a long duration, and even his speech at the Independence Day ceremony at Red Fort was short, there is apprehension that alternative arrangements might have to be made for the US visit," it said.

No to Silicon Valley

But it is the prime minister's decision to cancel a visit to San Francisco which has disappointed many.

[It] has certainly dealt a blow to the expectations Silicon Valley pundits had pinned on his presence in the US

The Pioneer

"Indian industry has attached a lot of importance to the PM's visit because it could provide a big boost to Indo-US business ties," the Hindustan Times said.

This was a concern echoed by The Pioneer.

"The fact that he will now proceed to Washington DC directly instead of halting at San Francisco has certainly dealt a blow to the expectations Silicon Valley pundits had pinned on his presence in the US," the newspaper said.

Some of the newspapers speculated that Mr Vajpayee might undergo medical treatment during his visit.

"According to PMO [Prime Minister's Office] sources, the prime minister is likely to go in for a thorough examination of his knee in the US," the Indian Express reported.