[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 9 (Monday, March 6, 2006)]
[Page 385]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a State Dinner Hosted by President Abdul Kalam of India in 
New Delhi

March 2, 2006

     Mr. President, Prime Minister, and distinguished guests, Laura and 
I thank you for such a warm welcome. It's a wonderful dinner tonight. 
We're grateful for your hospitality, and we appreciate the opportunity 
to visit your beautiful country.
    It is home to a proud civilization. Thousands of years ago, the 
people of this region built great cities, established trading routes 
with distant lands, and created wonders of art and architecture. Its 
reputation for wealth and wisdom attracted many brave explorers--one of 
them never did complete his journey, and he ended up in America.
    Like India, America respects faith and family and is rich in 
diversity. Americans are proud that our Nation is home to more than 2 
million individuals of Indian decent. Both our nations can take pride in 
their achievements. People from India serve with distinction in American 
businesses, in the sciences and the arts. The contributions of our 
Indian American community have made America a better nation, and they've 
helped strengthen our ties with India.
    The relationship between our two nations is strong, and it rests on 
a firm foundation. We share common interests rooted in common belief 
that freedom can change lives and transform nations. Today, our two 
democracies have formed a strategic partnership to bring the benefits of 
liberty to others, to expand global prosperity through free and fair 
trade, and to confront the challenges of our time. As great nations, we 
now have an opportunity to lead, and America values the leadership of 
the great nation of India.
    Mr. President, again, Laura and I express our deepest heartfelt 
thanks. It's my honor now to toast to you, sir, and to the great nation 
of India.

Note: The President spoke at 8:45 p.m. at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. In his 
remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India. A tape 
was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.