New Delhi:
In his address to both houses of Parliament, President Obama endorsed India's position for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, saying Washington looked forward to reforming the Security Council to reflect current global realities. "Indeed, the just and sustainable international order that America seeks includes a United Nations that is efficient, effective, credible and legitimate. That is why I can say today -- in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed U.N. Security Council that includes India as a permanent member."
President Obama also spoke about continued cooperation between India and the United States on tackling the global menace of terrorism, and the shared interest in the Afghan-Pak region. "The United States will not abandon the people of Afghanistan -- or the region -- to the violent extremists who threaten us all," said Obama. The US President has said earlier that US will pull out of Afghanistan in 2011. "Our strategy to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda and its affiliates has to succeed on both sides of the border. That is why we have worked with the Pakistani government to address the threat of terrorist networks in the border region," he added.
On Pakistan, Obama reiterated what he has said on this three day trip to India consistently. "We will continue to insist to Pakistan's leaders that terrorist safe-havens within their borders are unacceptable, and that the terrorists behind the Mumbai attacks be brought to justice. We must also recognize that all of us have an interest in both an Afghanistan and a Pakistan that is stable, prosperous and democratic -- and none more so than India. In pursuit of regional security, we will continue to welcome dialogue between India and Pakistan, even as we recognize that disputes between your two countries can only be resolved by the people of your two countries," said the US President. Obama says his administration will continue to work consistently with the Pakistani government.
Much of this visit has been focused on economic cooperation between the two nations and a shared interest in global prosperity, and Obama spoke at length about forging "a defining partnership with India in the 21st century".
"As you carry on with the hard work ahead, I want every Indian citizen to know: the United States of America will not simply be cheering you on from the sidelines. We will be right there with you, shoulder to shoulder. Because we believe in the promise of India," the US President said.
"It is no coincidence that India is my first stop on my visit to Asia, for in Asia and around the world, India is simply not emerging, India has emerged," said Obama, quoting from Tagore's Geetanjali, and making a reference to the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. President Obama spoke of how he has been influenced by Gandhiji's principle of 'be the change you seek in the world.'
"I am mindful that I may not have been standing before you as the President of United States had it not been for Gandhi and the message that he shared with the world," said Obama, who is the first African-American President of the United States.
The US President became the first foreign dignitary to sign the "Golden Book" in Parliament. This is a visitor's book introduced by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar. He was welcomed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Meira Kumar.
Obama addressed a joint session of Parliament for 20 minutes in the Central Hall, which had been decked up for the occasion. Vice President Hamid Ansari made the opening address and the vote of thanks was given by the Lok Sabha speaker.
"We admire the tenacity of the American spirit and its capacity for introspection and course correction," said Ansari, welcoming President Obama.