India is a world power: Barack Obama...

NEW DELHI: US President Barack Obama today said India was now a world power and the two countries can work together on issues like counter-terrorism to promote peace, stability and prosperity for the whole world. Obama said he has undertaken the trip to India to strengthen what is already an incredible friendship that would be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st Century, to build on commercial ties and strengthen cooperation in bilateral relations and international economy.

Obama was talking to reporters after a ceremonial reception given to him at the forecourt of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan formally kick starting his official visit.

"My hope is that during these discussions between myself and Prime Minister, myself and President and other members of the Indian delegation, we will be able to build on the commercial ties that we already have, to strengthen cooperation in bilateral relations and international economy.

He said that the two countries would be able to focus on issues like counter-terrorism in order to ensure that both the US and India are secure well into the future.

"Given that India is not simply an emerging power but now it is a world power, US and India can work together to promote international principles, rules, relations between nations they can promote peace, stability, prosperity not only for just two nations but for the whole world," he said.

Stressing the "core set of values" shared by the worlds two largest democracies, Obama said they needed to work together to curb the spread of terrorism, "in order to ensure that both the United and India are secure well into the future."

During Mondays talks, Indian leaders will be keen to hear Obamas position on their countrys aspirations to win a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

So far, US officials have sidestepped the question of timing on the issue, saying Indias enhanced status must form part of negotiations to reinvigorate and reform the world body.