M.L.King:...to India, I come as a pilgrim.

[Guest guest]

President Bush and Prime Minister Singh of India

Discuss Growing Strategic Partnership

 

"India in the 21st century is a natural partner of the United States

because we are brothers in the cause of human liberty. Yesterday, I

visited a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and read the peaceful words of

a fearless man. His words are familiar in my country because they

helped move a generation of Americans to overcome the injustice of

racial segregation. When Martin Luther King arrived in Delhi in 1959, he

said to other countries, "I may go as a tourist, but to India, I come as a

pilgrim." I come to India as a friend.

 

For many years, the United States and India were kept apart by the

rivalries that divided the world. That's changed. Our two great

democracies are now united by opportunities that can lift our people,

and by threats that can bring down all our progress. The United States

and India, separated by half the globe, are closer than ever before, and

the partnership between our free nations has the power to transform the

world."

 

--President George W. Bush

New Delhi, India

March 3, 2006

http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/india-pakistan/

President Thanks Prime Minister and India at State Dinner in New Delhi

Rashtrapati Bhavan

New Delhi, India

 

 

President's Visit to India and Pakistan

 

 

8:45 P.M. (Local)

 

PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President, Prime Minister and distinguished

guests, Laura and I thank you for such a warm welcome. It's a wonderful

dinner tonight. We're grateful for your hospitality, and we appreciate the

opportunity to visit your beautiful country.

 

It is home to a proud civilization. Thousands of years ago the people of

this region built great cities, established trading routes with distant

lands, and created wonders of art and architecture. Its reputation for

wealth and wisdom attracted many brave explorers -- one of them never

did complete his journey and he ended up in America.

 

Like India, America respects faith and family and is rich in diversity.

Americans are proud that our nation is home to more than 2 million

individuals of Indian descent. Both our nations can take pride in their

achievements. People from India serve with distinction in American

businesses, in the sciences and the arts. The contributions of our Indian

American community have made America a better nation and they've

helped strengthen our ties with India.

 

The relationship between our two nations is strong and it rests on a firm

foundation. We share common interests rooted in common belief that

freedom can change lives and transform nations. Today our two

democracies have formed a strategic partnership to bring the benefits of

liberty to others, to expand global prosperity through free and fair trade,

and to confront the challenges of our time. As great nations, we now

have an opportunity to lead, and America values the leadership of the

great nation of India.

 

Mr. President, again, Laura and I express our deepest heartfelt thanks.

It's my honor now to toast to you, sir, and to the great nation of India.

 

(A toast is offered.)

 

END 8:47 P.M. (Local)

 

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/03/20060302-16.html