    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [July 18, 2005]
    [Page 1232]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Welcoming Ceremony for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India
    July 18, 2005

        Mr. Prime Minister, Mrs. Kaur, Laura and I are honored to welcome you to the White House.
        We meet as leaders of two great democracies committed to working
    together for a better and a safer world. Your visit reflects the growing
    bonds of cooperation between your nation and mine. Our nations have ties
    that are strong and warm. These ties are enriched by hundreds of
    thousands of Americans of Indian origin who contribute so much to
    America's vitality. Our people share the bonds of friendship and a
    commitment to prosperity, peace, and regional stability. Our nations
    believe in freedom, and our nations are confronting global terrorism.
        As diplomatic partners, we're meeting this threat in our own nations
    and abroad. And as economic partners, we're working around the world to
    displace hatred and violence with prosperity, hope, and optimism.
    India's embrace of democracy and human rights has ensured that its great
    diversity will remain a national strength. And since enacting economic
    reforms in the early nineties, India has become an emerging economic
    power to the betterment of its people.
        The relationship between our two nations has never been stronger,
    and it will grow even closer in the days and years to come. This
    transformed relationship was seen vividly in the response to the
    December 26th tsunami that devastated parts of Asia. Along with Japan
    and Australia, our two nations launched a coordinated and effective
    disaster relief mission, providing assistance and relief where it was
    most needed.
        Mr. Prime Minister, the United States and India have built a
    relationship of great potential as we face this century's challenges. We
    look forward to building on our strong bilateral relationship to expand
    our economic ties and to lay the foundation of peace and prosperity for
    our children and our grandchildren.
        Welcome, Mr. Prime Minister, and thank you for coming.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:11 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House, where Prime Minister Singh was accorded a formal welcome with
    full military honors. In his remarks, he referred to Gursharan Kaur,
    wife of Prime Minister Singh. The transcript released by the Office of
    the Press Secretary also included the remarks of Prime Minister Singh.