President Barack Obama says the U.S. partnership with India will be one
of the defining relationships of the 21st century, as he welcomed
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his administration's first
state visit.
The two leaders met Tuesday at the White House and pledged to work
together to strengthen the global economy, curb climate change, limit
nuclear proliferation, and fight terrorism. President Obama accepted
Mr. Singh's invitation to visit India next year.
On the issue of the long-standing rivalry between India and Pakistan,
President Obama said it was not the role of the United States to
resolve the conflict from the outside. But he said the U.S. can find
ways to help.
Mr. Obama also said Pakistan has made some progress in dealing with extremists who have been operating in Pakistan.