Waqas 48 Posted November 24, 2009 WASHINGTON: Barack Obama hailed India as "indispensable" on Tuesday as he welcomed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the White House on the first state visit of his presidency. "This visit reflects the high esteem in which I and the American people hold your wise leadership," Obama told the leader of the world''s largest democracy after the anthems of both nations were played at the welcome ceremony. "Mr Prime Minister, as we work to build that future, India is indispensable. As leading economies, the United states and India can strengthen the global economic recovery, promote trade that creates jobs for both our people and pursue growth that is balanced and sustained," Obama said. "As nuclear powers, we can be full partners in preventing the spread of the world''s most deadly weapons, securing loose nuclear materials from terrorists, and pursuing our shared vision of a world without nuclear weapons," he said. Obama''s first full-fledged state visit since he entered the White House is a ceremonial affair that will culminate in a black-tie dinner Tuesday that is one of Washington''s most coveted invitations. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
