India beacon of hope for people around the world: Obama

U.S. President Barack Obama sent his congratulations to all who will celebrate the 63rd anniversary of India’s Independence this weekend and said, “Indians around the world can not only look back on their history with pride, but can also look ahead to a future filled with hope and further progress.”

Speaking on behalf of his entire administration and the American people Mr. Obama noted that ever since August 15, 1947, India’s non-violent struggle for freedom, its rejection of terrorism and extremism, and its belief in democracy, tolerance, and the rule of law had been an inspiration and beacon of hope for people around the world.

Underscoring the profound effect of India’s example on many countries, including the United States he said that leaders of the civil rights movement here, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., had spoke of the debt they owed to Mahatma Gandhi and the over two million Indian-Americans were living examples of the bonds that bound India and the U.S.. The President added that the accomplishments of the Indian-American community “have become well-known and admired in both countries.”

Touching upon the ongoing Strategic Dialogue between the two countries, which is expected to get a fillip from the President’s visit to India later this year he said, “The strategic partnership between our countries will continue to grow, and I am looking forward to my November visit to India.”

Reiterating the words he had used to describe the relationship during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s state visit last year, Mr. Obama said,” Our goal is to make this one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.”