“There is no reason why India cannot be our top trading partner (from 12th position now). I’m absolutely sure that the relationship between India and the US is going to be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.”
Obama pays homage to Mumbai terror victims
“Mumbai is an incredible city which is symbol of energy and optimism of India, ” said President Obama saluting the spirit of Mumbai as he addressed the press at Taj while kick-starting the historic tour to India. Obama mentioned that his visit to Taj is a clear message to terrorists while reiterating that India and US are working closely than ever in the battle against terror.
Obama said his decision to stay in Taj Hotel is a powerful message against terrorism and demanded that the perpetrators of the horrific Mumbai attacks should be brought to justice.
Accompanied by his wife Michelle, he signed the visitors’ book, looked at the plaque on which the names of 26/11 victims are engraved and delivered a six-minute speech in which he paid tributes to people of Mumbai and India hailing their resolve and resilience.
Excerpts of OBAMA speech
“We will never forget the awful images of the 26/11 attacks, the flames from Taj Hotel that lit up the skies on those four days of November, 2008.”
“We today, US and India are working together, more closely than ever to deepening counter-terrorism (cooperation), to keep our people safe.”
“Here in Mumbai, the diversity that is India’s strength was in full display… Those who attacked Mumbai wanted to demoralise this city and this country but they failed.”
“The very next day, Mumbaikars came back to work… Within weeks, this hotel was welcoming guests from around the world.”
“The Taj is a symbol of strength and resolve.”
“Just as Indians lost their lives on 9/11, Americans lost their lives on 26/11.”
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