US President Barack Obama on Tuesday threw the biggest party of his presidency for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, hailing the world’s largest democracy as “indispensable” and pledging to work out a range of thorny issues.
Obama rolled out the red carpet for Singh for the first full-fledged official visit of his White House, climaxing in a black-tie dinner that was one of Washington’s most elite social occasions since his Jan. 20 inauguration.
Obama, who had caused unease in India with his early focus on neighbors China and Pakistan, assured that the world’s largest democracy was a true partner on his top priorities from counter-terrorism to climate change.
“Our nations are two global leaders, driven not to dominate other nations, but to build a future of security and prosperity for all nations,” Obama said, flanked by Singh. “As we work to build that future, India is indispensable.”
In a toast later before the more than 300 guests dining in a candlelit tent on the White House lawn, Singh told a moved Obama that his historic election “captured the imagination” of millions of Indians.
“You are an inspiration to all those who cherish the values of democracy, diversity and equal opportunity,” Singh said.
In a nod to Indian concerns about Pakistan, the two leaders issued a joint statement voicing “grave concern about the threat posed by terrorism and violent extremists emanating from India’s neighborhood.”
Obama accepted an invitation to visit India next year and his administration signed eight memorandums aiming to solidify growing cooperation.
One US$10 million initiative named after Obama and Singh would support university linkages; India is already the top source of foreign students in the US.
The two nations also agreed to launch a dialogue on economic relations, with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to head to India early next year.
Other projects would work to boost food security and support research on green technology.
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