U.S. President Barack Obama is “very excited” about his upcoming visit to India and is looking forward to developing strong relations with the country, a top official of the State Department has said.
“The President is very excited about his tour of India next month and considers it a very important one,” the official, who did not want to be named, told a group of visiting journalists from South and Central Asia.
The official said Mr. Obama had talked about a “defining partnership” with India and termed it an ally in the war on terror.
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“Things changed after 9/11 and we (U.S. and India) have common issues with regard to the war on terror. India is going to be an ever stronger partner,” the official quoted Mr. Obama as having said.
Focus on global challenges
During the President's visit to India, the focus would be on global challenges facing the two countries, the official said.
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The official declined to discuss the agenda or details of the itinerary of the President's visit, citing security issues.
Responding to a question, the official said Mr. Obama's visit should not be seen as a “loss for Pakistan and a benefit to India”. The official said that the President had already said that he would not be going to Pakistan this year. “Perhaps (the President will go to Pakistan) next year,” he said.