    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [March 4, 2006]
    [Pages 407-408]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    March 4, 2006

        Good morning. I have been traveling this past week in South Asia on
    a trip to Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan.
        My first stop was Afghanistan, and I was thrilled to see firsthand
    the incredible transformation that has taken place there. Before
    September the 11th, 2001, Afghanistan was ruled by a cruel regime that
    oppressed its people, brutalized women, and gave safe haven to the
    terrorists who attacked America.
        Today, the terror camps have been shut down, women are working, boys
    and girls are back in school, and 25 million people have now tasted
    freedom. The Afghan people are building a vibrant, young democracy that
    is an ally in the war on terror, and America is proud to have such a
    determined partner in the cause of freedom.
        I was pleased to visit with President Karzai and members of his Cabinet and Government. I told them
    America will stand with the Afghan people as they build a free society
    and fight our common enemies, and we will see the mission through
    without wavering.
        I was honored to visit our troops at Bagram Air Base who are serving
    on the frontlines of the war on terror. It was a privilege to thank them
    in person for their courage and for the sacrifice of their families back
    home. These fine Americans are standing watch for liberty halfway across
    the world, and I told them that all Americans were proud of them.
        The next stop on my trip was India. Like America, India has endured
    terrorist attacks on its own soil. Like America, India is a democracy
    that understands the best way to ensure peace is to advance freedom. And
    like America, India is working to help nations like Afghanistan build
    the institutions of a free and democratic society.
        Relations between the United States and India have never been
    better. One important aspect of this partnership is working together to
    meet the energy needs of our growing economies, especially through the
    use of clean and safe nuclear power. On my trip, the United States and
    India reached an historic agreement to share civilian nuclear technology
    as India brings its civilian nuclear programs under the safeguards of
    the International Atomic Energy Agency. This agreement is good for
    American security because it will bring India's civilian nuclear program
    into the international nonproliferation mainstream.
        The agreement also is good for the American economy. The agreement
    will help meet India's surging energy needs, and that will lessen
    India's growing demand for other energy supplies and help restrain
    energy prices for American consumers.
        Another important aspect of this partnership is the growing trade
    between our two countries. In the past 10 years, India has passed
    economic reforms that have opened its door to trade and helped raised
    the living standards for millions of its people. In my meetings with
    Prime Minister Singh, I made clear that trade
    between our countries must be free and fair. I know that America's
    workers can compete with anyone, anytime, anywhere, so long as the rules
    are fair.
        Ultimately, the best way to create jobs for Americans is to expand
    markets for American products. Today, India is one of the fastest-
    growing export markets for goods, services, and crops. India has now a
    growing middle class that is estimated at 300 million people--more than
    the entire population of the United States. Middle class Indians are
    buying home appliances from American companies like Whirlpool. Younger
    Indians are enjoying McCurry meals from McDonald's. And Air India has
    recently ordered 68 planes from Boeing. Last year, our exports to India
    grew by

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    more than 30 percent. And all this trade is creating jobs and
    opportunity in America. So we will continue to work to level the playing
    field for our workers, farmers, and businesses--and deliver a better
    life for all Americans.
        The final stop on my trip was Pakistan, another important ally in
    the war on terror. After September the 11th, 2001, President
    Musharraf understood that he had to make a
    fundamental choice. He could turn a blind eye and leave his people
    hostage to the terrorists, or he could join the free world in fighting
    the terrorists.
        President Musharraf made the right
    choice for his people, and America appreciates his leadership. Since he
    joined the fight against terror, President Musharraf has faced several
    attempts on his life, yet President Musharraf has not faltered. He
    understands that the terrorists are a threat to the peace and security
    of the Pakistani people and the world.
        Our relations with Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan will enhance the
    security of our country. By working with these leaders and the people of
    these three nations, we're seizing the opportunities this new century
    offers and helping to lay the foundations of peace and prosperity for
    generations to come.

    Note: The address was recorded at 9:05 a.m. on March 3 in the Muarya
    Sheraton Hotel and Towers in New Delhi, India, for broadcast at 10:06
    a.m., e.s.t., on March 4. The transcript was made available by the
    Office of the Press Secretary on March 3 but was embargoed for release
    until the broadcast. Due to the 5-hour time difference, the radio
    address was broadcast after the President's midday remarks in Islamabad,
    Pakistan. In his address, the President referred to Prime Minister
    Manmohan Singh of India; and President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan. The
    Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of this address.