President Barack Obama on Thursday announced that he would be visiting India in early November 2010.
Speaking to a packed reception hall at the State Department building in Foggy Bottom, Mr. Obama said, “During his state visit, the Prime Minister graciously invited me and my family to visit India this year, and I happily accepted. And as I confirmed to him when we spoke last week, I am delighted to announce tonight that I plan to visit India in early November.”
As it happened, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, speaking just before Mr. Obama, had reiterated Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s, and indeed, all of India’s anticipation of the Obama family visit later this year.
The President said he looked forward to advancing the U.S.-India partnership, to experiencing all that India and its people and its incredible ancient culture had to offer, adding in a lighter vein, "And I intend to create an ‘Obama Platter'" after noting earlier that a restaurant in New Delhi was now serving a ‘Hillary Platter’.
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A senior Administration official later said the dates of President Obama's travel to India have been fixed from November 7 to 10. It is expected to be announced closer to the visit. The First Lady would also travel with Mr. Obama to India.
Looking forward to his visit to India, Mr. Obama quoted from an eminent European scholar who travelled to India more than a century ago: “Whatever sphere of the human mind you may select for your special study, whether it be language or religion or mythology or philosophy, whether it be law or customs, primitive art, or science, you have to go to India, because," he said, "some of the most valuable and instructive material of the history of man are treasured up in India, and India only".
Mr. Obama said: "So when it comes to the sphere of our work, building a future of greater prosperity, opportunity and security for our people, there is no doubt; I have to go India. But even more, I am proud to go to India, and I look forward to the history that we will make together, progress that will be treasured not just by this generation but by generations to come."
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Krishna said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recalls very warmly his meeting with the U.S. President at the successful Nuclear Security Summit in April 2010. “He and over one billion citizens of India look forward to welcoming you and your family later this year,” the External Affairs Minister said. “A very warm and heartfelt welcome awaits you and the family,” he added.
