Obama in India: America can be India's best partner, says US President

NEW DELHI: US President Barack Obama on Tuesday said the United States could be India's "best partner" as he wrapped up a three-day visit by highlighting the shared values of the world's biggest democracies.

Speaking to an audience of young people, the US president reiterated that the relationship between Washington and New Delhi "can be one of the defining partnerships of this century".

"India and the United States are not just natural partners -- I believe that America can be India's best partner," said Obama after receiving a rapturous welcome from a group of around 1,500 people.

"Of course, only Indians can decide India's role in the world. But I'm here because I am absolutely convinced that both our peoples will have more jobs and opportunity, our nations will be more secure, and the world will be a safer and more just place when our two democracies stand together.

Obama said that the world does not "stand a chance against climate change" unless developing countries such as India reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

"I know the argument made by some, that it's unfair for countries like the United States to ask developing nations and emerging economies like India to reduce your dependence on the same fossil fuels that helped power our growth for more than a century," Obama said.

"But here's the truth: even if countries like the United States curb our emissions, if growing countries like India -- with soaring energy needs -- don't also embrace cleaner fuels, then we don't stand a chance against climate change," he added.

Obama, whose visit has been designed at forging what he has called a "global partnership" with India, says that partners share responsibilities.

"Being global partners also means confronting the urgent global challenge of climate change," said the US president.

"With rising seas, melting Himalayan glaciers, more unpredictable monsoons, and cyclones getting stronger -- few countries will be more affected than India."

Obama also asked India to fulfill its constitution's pledge to uphold the "dignity of the individual," drawing on his own experience as a minority in the United States.

Speaking to an audience of young people, Obama said that while he has had extraordinary opportunities, "there were moments in my life where I've been treated differently because of the color of my skin." As he touted the importance of religious tolerance, he noted the persistent false rumors that he is a Muslim, not a Christian.

"There have been times where my faith has at times been questioned by people who don't know me, or they've said that I adhere to a different religion, as if that were somehow a bad thing," Obama said.

"Every woman should be able to go about her day - to walk the street, or ride the bus - and be safe and be treated with the respect and dignity that she deserves," Obama said to applause.