India is a world power, can work together for global peace: Obama

NEW DELHI: US President Barack Obama on Monday said India was now a world power and the two countries can work together on issues like counter-terrorism to promote peace, stability and prosperity for the whole world.

The US President said he has undertaken the trip to India to strengthen what is already an incredible friendship that would be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st Century, to build on commercial ties and strengthen cooperation in bilateral relations and international economy.

Obama was talking to reporters after a ceremonial reception given to him at the forecourt of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan formally kick starting his official visit.

He said that the two countries would be able to focus on issues like counter-terrorism in order to ensure that both the US and India are secure well into the future.

“My hope is that during these discussions between myself and Prime Minister, myself and President and other members of the Indian delegation, we will be able to build on the commercial ties that we already have, to strengthen cooperation in bilateral relations and international economy,” Obama said.

“Given that India is not simply an emerging power but now it is a world power, US and India can work together to promote international principles, rules, relations between nations they can promote peace, stability, prosperity not only for just two nations but for the whole world,” he said.

Obama said he and his wife thank the entire people of India for the wonderful hospitality and reception given to them and conveyed the warmest regards from the people of America.

After thanking Indians for their extraordinary hospitality, US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh began talks at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. (Read: Obama, Manmohan hold bilateral talks)

After a meeting with the Prime Minister, both the leaders will take questions from the press. Obama will also address the Parliament.

The US leader and his wife Michelle on Monday visited Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial Rajghat and paid tribute to the father of the nation whom he has referred to as his “real hero”. (Read: Obama pays tribute to ‘hero’ Mahatma Gandhi)

Though this is Obama’s third day in India, Monday’s ceremony was the first opportunity for Indian officials to herald his visit.