TIA correspondent /agencies
NEW DELHI/ MUMBAI: US President Barrack Obama on Sunday made it clear that the United States would not impose its view on Indo-Pak relations. Without referring to Jammu and Kashmir, he endorsed India’s stand that less contentious issues should be taken up first in an Indo-Pak dialogue process. He expressed hope that over time, trust develops between the two countries and more complex issues could be taken up later.
“So my hope is that over time trust develops between the two countries, that dialogue begins perhaps on less controversial issues building up to more controversial issues and that over time there’s a recognition that India and Pakistan can live side by side in peace,” he said.
Interacting with students of St Xaviers College in Mumbai the US President said that progress made by Pakistan in fighting terrorism was not as quick as the US would like to see.
President Obama asserted that US is engaged aggressively with Islamabad to eradicate extremism which he described as cancer as it has the potential to engulf the entire country. He said that India has the biggest stake in stable, prosperous and peaceful Pakistan. “I think if Pakistan is unstable, that’s bad for India. If Pakistan is stable and prosperous, that is good. “Because it is unmovable,” he stressed.
In his opening remarks the US president said India has already risen on the global stage and Washington sees New Delhi’s emergence good for the US and the world. He said that India has already a rightful place in Asia and at the global stage.
Asserting that Indo-US relations will be indispensable in shaping the 21st century, Obama said that partnership between the two largest democracies have a limitless potential. Referring to his talks with the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, tomorrow the US President said, he will make specific announcements on issues like counter-terrorism, regional security and clean energy after the discussions.
Obama arrives in New Delhi
The US President Barack Obama arrived in New Delhi Sunday evening to a warm welcome on the second leg of his visit to India. In a rare and special gesture the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Mrs Gursharan Kaur received Mr. Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama at the Palam Air Force Station.
Later Obama along with Michelle visited the 450-year-old 16th century Mughal marvel and went round the world heritage site. After visiting the site, Obama described the Humayun Tomb as spectacular. He said Delhi is such a modern city and yet rooted in civilizational heritage. He also interacted with a number of children of construction workers who are being taught at make shift school run by Archaeological Survey of India. President Obama will be accorded ceremonial reception at the forecourts of Rastrapathi Bhavan Monday morning. After paying tributes at Raj Ghat, the Samadhi of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Obama will head for talks with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at Hyderabad House. The two leaders will also address a joint press conference after the meeting, scheduled for 12.45 PM. Vice President Hamid Ansari, the leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Mrs Sushma Swaraj and the Chairperson of UPA Mrs Sonia Gandhi, will call on the US President in the afternoon. Later in the evening, Obama will address a joint sitting of the Members of Parliament in the historic Central Hall. The President Mrs Pratiba Devi Singh Patil will host a banquet in the honour of the visiting President.