Images: Obama, PM at White House

Image: Prime Minister Dr Singh speaks as Obama listens in rapt attention
Photographs: Jay Mandal

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that India and the United States must work together to harness the immense potential of 'our talented and enterprising people' and support each other's growth and prosperity.

Text: Aziz Haniffa

Obama meets PM at White House

Image: Michelle Obama with Gursharan Kaur
Photographs: Jay Mandal

"India and America are separated by distance, but bound together by the values of democracy, pluralism, rule of law, and respect for fundamental human freedoms. Over the years, we have built upon these values and created a partnership that is based upon both principle and pragmatism," Singh said, while making the opening remarks following the welcome ceremony at the East Room of the White House on Tuesday hosted by President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama.

Obama meets PM at White House

Image: Obama keeps his hand over his heart for the US national anthem
Photographs: Reuters

"Our relations have been transformed, and today they encompass cooperation in all areas of human activity," Singh said.

Obama meets PM at the White House

Image: Obama and Dr Singh at the White House
Photographs: Reuters

The prime minister said that the two countries should cooperate in addressing global challenges of combating terrorism, making the environment cleaner and moving towards a world free of nuclear weapons.

'This is a great moment in our ties'

Image: Another picture from the event
Photographs: Reuters

'Mr President, I have come today to build upon these successes and to strengthen our multifaceted relationship. We seek to broaden and deepen our strategic partnership, and to work with the United States to meet these challenges of a fast-changing world in this 21st century,' Singh said amid applause.

"This is a moment of great opportunity in our relationship," he added.

Obama meets PM at the White House

Image: Obama welcomes Dr Singh to the White House

Saying that he brings to the people of the United States the friendly greetings of India's one billion people, Singh said India deeply appreciates President Obama's strong personal commitment' to bilateral relationship.

'My wife and I are deeply grateful to you and the First Lady for receiving us during this Thanksgiving week, Singh said.

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