[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.