This Article is From Jan 27, 2015

'I Believe America Can be India's Best Partner,' Says Barack Obama at Townhall

US president Barack Obama

New Delhi: About 2000 people filled the Siri Fort auditorium in south Delhi addressed by US President Barack Obama.

Here are the highlights:

  • Nothing fills me with more hope than when I see young people speak.
  • To the people of this great nation, I bring you the friendship of the American people.
  • Thank you so much for welcoming us back to India. 'Bahut Dhanyavad'.
  • It's my great honour to be the first US president to join you for Republic Day. 
  • In my last visit we danced with some children and celebrated the festival of lights. I apologise for not being able to schedule a dance this time.
  • I recognised India with the first visit of my presidency where we also danced to some 'Bhangra'.
  • Martin Luther King Jr, during his protests against racial discrimination, said that his guiding light was Mahatma Gandhi. He said that India is Gandhi's land.
  • Together, India and the US, we unlock new potential.
  • India has uplifted millions of people from poverty and created the largest middle-class in the world.
  • India and US are not just natural partners but I believe America can be India's best partner.
  • As India pursues more trade, we want to be the first in line.
  • World would be safer if our two democracies stand together.
  • We want to help India build bullet trains and smart cities.
  • We appreciate India's effort for generating more clean energy.
  • Our goal should be a world without nuclear weapons.
  • I propose a new United Nations Security Council with India as a permanent member.
  • With your experience in elections, you can help other countries form new government.
  • Together we can stand against human trafficking and eradicate modern day slavery.
  • As we keep working on climate change, it's your generation that has to speak up, because it's your children, the next generation that will be impacted.
  • India is defined is countless languages, cast, color and culture and orientation. In America we are black and white and Latinos. We have a diverse culture too.
  • Our aim should not be that a few do well, our aim should be that everyone should have a chance.
  • I am married to a strong, talented woman who is not afraid to speak her mind when she thinks I am wrong. With two daughters, I am surrounded by strong and beautiful women.
  • Indian women have also shown that they can lead.
  • This we know from experience that nations are more successful when their women are successful.
  • If nations want to succeed, they can not simply ignore the talent of almost half their people.
  • When we were born, people like us couldn't vote in some parts of the country.
  • It is a matter of pride to live in countries where a Dalit can help write the constitution and a tea seller can become PM - our nations are strongest when we uphold the equality of all our people and that includes women.
  • As brothers and fathers, we have to step up because the life of every woman matters.
  • Our nations are stronger when we see that we are all god's children.
  • We must remember Gandhi Ji's words when he said, "I see different religions as flowers of the same garden and branches of the same majestic tree".
  • Throughout the world, we have seen violence over religion.
  • No society is immune from the darkest impulses of men and too often religion has been used to tap into those instead of the light of God.
  • Every person has the right to practice any faith or none as he chooses, without the fear of persecution.
  • India's strength is its multi-diversity irrespective of caste and creed and ethnic differences.
  • India will succeed so long as it isn't splintered along the lines of religion, any lines...
  • The peace we seek in the world begins in human hearts.
  • Our nations are strongest when we empower the young people.
  • Michelle and I don't come from healthy backgrounds... without education we wouldn't be here today.
  • 'Mr Obama Shares the story of Vishal and his family, son of a daily wage laborer in India'
  • The dreams of Vishal are as important as the dreams of my daughters.
  • I am the first American president to visit India twice, but I am sure I won't be the last.
  • As Americans we believe in the promise of India, we believe in the people of India. Proud to be your partner and friend. Jai Hind.

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