India as a rising power good for the US: Obama

Washington, June 4 (ANI): In witty and often rousing remarks at a Thursday reception hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for her Indian counterpart S M Krishna at the State Department, US President Barack Obama reiterated how central and important India was to the US.

"It's rising power and a responsible global power. That's why I firmly believe that the relationship between the United States and India will be a defining partnership in the 21st century," Obama said.

Obama described the India-United States relationship as fundamentally unique" because of their common interests and ommon values,

Washington, he said valued the partnership "not because of where India is on a map, but because of what we share and where we can go together."

"India is indispensable to the future that we seek - a future of security and prosperity for all nations," Obama said.

The President was in a particularly jocular vein with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, subtly challenging her hold on the India portfolio and trumping her Mark Twain quote rhapsodizing about India with a Max Mueller observation he dug up about the glory of India.

"So when it comes to the sphere of our work-building a future of greater prosperity, opportunity and security for our people, there is no doubt: I have to go to India. But even more, I am proud to go to India," Obama said.

Obama, when he makes the trip, will be the sixth American President to visit India after Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and George Bush (43). (ANI)