[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 10 (Monday, March 13, 2006)]
[Pages 404-405]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

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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 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., local time, 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. 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.