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• Expected Attendees at Tonight's State Dinner
  

  Below is a list of expected attendees at tonight’s State Dinner:

  The President & First Lady Michelle Obama

  Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister, India & Ms. Gursharan Kaur

  The Honorable (Rep) Gary Ackerman, United States Representative
  Mr. Sant Singh Chatwal (Guest)

  His Excellency Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of the Republic of India, Indian Delegation

  Mr. Mukesh D Ambani

  Mr. Tim Dutta (Spouse of Ms. Pia Awal)

  The Honorable (Mr.) David Axelrod, White House Communications
  Mrs. Susan Axelrod

  Ms. Preeta Bansal, OMB - General Counsel

  The Honorable (Ms.) Melody Barnes, Domestic Policy Council
  Mr. Marland E. Buckner

  The Honorable (Rep.) Howard Berman, United States Representative (D/California)
  Mrs. Jane Berman, Spouse of United States Representative (D/California)

  Mr. Om Prakash Bhatt

  Mr. Hunter Biden
  Mrs. Kathleen Biden

  The Honorable (Vice President) Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Vice President of the United States
  Dr. Jill Biden

  Mr. Robert O Blake, Jr., Assistant Sec for South and Central Asian Affairs, State Department
  Mrs. Sofia Blake

  Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York, NY
  Ms. Diana Taylor

  The Honorable (Mr.) John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Deputy National Security Advisor for Counterterrorism, Homeland Security Council
  Mrs. Katherine Brennan

  The Honorable (Ms.) Lisa Brown, Office of Staff Secretary
  Mr. Kevin Cullen

  Mr. Donald Browne
  Ms. Maria Junqera

  The Honorable (Ms.) Carol Browner, Energy and Climate Change
  The Honorable (Mr.) Tom Downey

  Mr. William Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Department of State
  Ms. Lisa Carty

  General James E Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
  Mrs. Sandee Cartwright

  The Honorable (Senator) Bob Casey, United States Senator (D/Pennsylvania)
  Mrs. Terese Casey, United States Senate Spouse (D/Pennsylvania)

  Mr. Rajiv Chandrasekaran
  Mrs. Julie Chandrasekaran

  Mr. I.S. Chaturvedi, Personal Secretary to the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Indian Delegation

  Senator Satveer Chaudhry, State Senator
  Colonel Ravi Chaudhry (Guest)

  Ms. Rohini Chopra

  Mr. Deepak Chopra
  Mrs. Rita Chopra

  The Honorable (Secretary) Steven Chu, Secretary of the Department of Energy
  Mrs. Jean Chu

  The Honorable (Secretary) Hillary R. Clinton, Secretary of State

  The Honorable (Rep.) James E. Clyburn, United States Representative (D/South Carolina)
  Mrs. Emily Clyburn

  The Honorable (Senator) Kent Conrad, United States Senator (D/North Dakota)
  Ms. Lucy Calutti, United States Senate Spouse (D/North Dakota)

  Mr. David Cote

  Ms. Katie Couric
  Mr. Brooks L Perlin

  Mr. Greg Craig, Assistant to the President and Counsel to the President
  Mrs. Margaret D Craig

  Mrs. Paula Crown
  Mr. Jim Crown

  The Honorable (Rep.) Elijah Cummings, United States Representative (D/Maryland)
  Mrs. Maya Rockeymoore

  Senator Swati Dandekar, State Senator
  Mr. Arvind Dandekar

  Mr. Rajesh De, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice

  Nancy Ann DeParle, Office of Health Reform
  Mr. Jason P DeParle

  Ms. Bhairavi Desai
  Javaid Tariq

  Dr. Vishakha N. Desai
  Robert Oxman

  The Honorable (Senator) Chris Dodd, United States Senator (D/Connecticut)
  Mrs. Jackie Clegg Dodd

  Mr. John Doerr

  The Honorable (Mr.) Thomas Donilon, Assistant to the President, Deputy National Security Advisor, NSC
  Ms. Cathy Russell

  The Honorable Anita Dunn, White House Communications Director
  Mr. Bob Bauer

  Mr. Ari Emanuel
  Mrs. Sarah Emanuel

  The Honorable (Mr.) Rahm Emanuel, Chief of Staff to the President
  Ms. Amy Rule

  The Honorable (Mr.) Jon Favreau, Assistant to the President and Director of Speechwriting

  Ms. Sarah Feinberg, Office of the Chief of Staff

  The Honorable (Mayor) Adrian Fenty, Mayor of the District of Columbia
  Mrs. Michelle Fenty

  Ms. Michelle Flournoy

  Mr. Thomas Friedman
  Mrs. Ann Friedman

  The Honorable (Mr.) Mike Froman, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs, NSC

  Dr. Ashok S Ganguly

  The Honorable (Mr.) Patrick Gaspard, Office of Political Affairs
  Mrs. Raina Washington

  The Honorable Robert Gates

  Ms. Charlene Gaynor
  Mr. Richard Heiss

  Mr. David Geffen
  Mr. Jeremy Lingvall

  The Honorable (Secretary) Timothy F. Geithner, Secretary of the Treasury
  Ms. Carole Sonnenfeld

  The Honorable (Mr.) Robert Gibbs, White House Press Secretary

  Mr. Anish Goel, Acting Senior Director, South Asia Affairs, NSC

  Mr. Senapathy Gopalakrishnan

  Mr. Mark Gorenberg
  Ms. Wendy Wanderman

  Mr. John Gorman
  Mrs. Tamra Gorman

  Representative Jay Goyal, State Representative
  Kiran Goyal

  Representative Raj Goyle, State Representative
  Mrs. Monica Arora

  The Honorable (Governor) Jennifer Granholm, Governor of Michigan (D)
  Mr. Daniel Mulhern, First Gentleman of Michigan

  Mr. Earl G. Graves
  Mrs. Barbara Graves

  Ms. Geeta Rao Gupta
  Mr. Arvind Gupta

  Mr. Raj Gupta

  Mr. Rajat Gupta
  Mrs. Anita M Gupta

  Dr. Sanjay Gupta
  Mrs. Rebecca Olson Gupta

  Mr. Lee Hamilton
  Mrs. Nancy Hamilton

  The Honorable (Ms.) Kamala Harris
  Ms. Maya Harris

  Mr. Kamil Hassan
  Mrs. Talat Hassan

  Mr. George Haywood
  Mrs. Cheryl J Haywood

  The Honorable Fred Hochberg, Export-Import Bank
  Thomas P Healy

  The Honorable (Rep.) Paul Hodes, United States Representative (D/New Hampshire)
  Mrs. Margaret Hodes

  The Honorable (Attorney General) Eric Holder, United States Attorney General, Department of Justice
  Dr. Sharon Malone, MD

  Dr. John P. Holdren
  Dr. Cheryl E Holdren

  The Honorable (Rep.) Eleanor Holmes-Norton, United States of Representative (D/DC)
  Mr. John Norton

  Mr. Robert D Hormats, Under Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Agricultural Affairs, State Department
  Ms. Camille Massey

  The Honorable (Rep) Steny Hoyer, United States Representative (D/Maryland)
  Ms. Kathleen May

  Mr. Chris Hughes
  Mr. Sean S Eldridge

  Mr. Jeff Immelt

  The Honorable (Senator) Daniel Inouye, United States Senator (D/Hawaii)
  Ms. Irene Hirano, United States Senate Spouse (D/Hawaii)

  Mrs. Deepa Iyer
  Mr. Parag Khandhar
  Mr. Vasudeva Iyer

  The Honorable (Administrator) Lisa Jackson, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
  Mr. Kenneth Jackson

  The Honorable (Ms.) Valerie Jarrett, Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor

  The Honorable (Governor) Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana
  Mrs. Supriya Jindal, First Lady of Louisiana

  The Honorable (General) James Jones, Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor
  Mrs. Diane Jones

  Mrs. Ann Jordan
  Mr. Vernon Jordan

  Mr. Anil Kakani

  Mr. Farooq Kathwari
  Mrs. Farida Kathwari

  Mr. Neal Katyal, Principal Deputy Solicitor General, Office of the Solicitor General

  Mr. Jeffrey Katzenberg
  Mrs. Marilyn Katzenberg

  Ms. Maneesha Kelkar, Manavi
  Vinay Vaishampayan

  The Honorable (Senator) John Kerry, United States Senator (D/Massachusetts)

  Dr. Harish Khare, Media Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, Indian Delegation

  The Honorable (Mr.) Bradley Kiley, Office of Management and Administration
  Mr. James Coley, Jr.

  Ms. Gayle King

  The Honorable (Ambassador) Ron Kirk, USTR
  Mrs. Matrice Ellis-Kirk

  The Honorable (Mr.) Ronald Klain, Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the Vice President, Office of the Vice President

  Mrs. Chanda D Kochhar

  His Excellency S.M. Krishna, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, Indian Delegation

  Ms. Gaitri Kumar, Joint Secretary (Americas), Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India, Indian Delegation

  Mr. Vivek Kundra

  Mrs. Jhumpa Lahiri
  Mr. Alberto Vourvoulias

  Mr. Marc Lasry
  Cathy Lasry

  Mr. Jacob Lew, Deputy Secretary, Department of State

  The Honorable Gary Locke, Secretary of Commerce
  Mrs. Mona Locke

  The Honorable (Mr.) Christopher Lu, Cabinet Affairs
  Ms. Kathryn Thomson

  The Honorable (Senator) Richard Lugar, United States Senator (R/Indiana)
  Mrs. Char Lugar, United States Senate Spouse (R/Indiana)

  Mr. Michael Lynton
  Ms. Elizabeth Jamie Alter

  Mr. Surinder Malhotra

  The Honorable (Chief of Protocol) Capricia Marshall

  The Honorable (Ms.) Alyssa Mastromonaco, White House Office of Scheduling

  Mr. Brian Mathis
  Mrs. Tracey Kemble

  Ms. Kiran Mazumda-Shaw

  The Honorable (Senator) Claire McCaskill, United States Senator (D/Missouri)
  Mr. Joseph Shepard, United States Senate Spouse

  The Honorable (Rep) Jim McDermott, United States Representative (D/Washington)
  Mrs. Therese Marie Hansen

  Mr. Zarin Mehta
  Ms. Carmen Lasky

  The Honorable (Mr.) Jim Messina, Office of Chief of Staff

  Mr. Judd Miner
  Mrs. Linda Miner

  Mr. Newt Minow
  Mrs. Josephine Minow

  Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal

  Kalpen Modi, Associate Director, Office of Public Engagement

  Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
  Mrs. Deborah Mullen

  The Honorable (Secretary) Janet Napolitano, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

  His Excellency M.K. Narayanan, National Security Adviser of the Republic of India, Indian Delegation

  Mr. Shantanu Narayen
  Mrs. Reni Narayen

  Mr. Raju Narisetti
  Durga Raghunath

  Mr. Martin Nesbitt
  Ms. Anita Blanchard

  Mr. Konrad Ng
  Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng

  Ms. Indra Nooyi

  The Honorable (Rep) David Obey, United States Representative (D/Wisconsin)
  Mrs. Joan Obey

  The Honorable (Mr.) Peter Orszag, Director, Office of Management & Budget

  Mr. Jim Owens
  Ms. Katie Owens

  Mr. Deepak Parekh

  Mr. Eboo Patel
  Ms. Shehnez Mansuri

  The Honorable (Governor) Deval Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts (D)
  Mrs. Diane Patrick, First Lady of Massachusetts

  The Honorable (Speaker) Nancy Pelosi, United States Representative (D/California) and Speaker of the House
  Mr. Paul Pelosi

  Mr. Dan Pfeiffer, White House Office of Communications

  Mr. Sam Pitroda
  Mrs. Anjana Pitroda

  General Colin Powell
  Ms. Alma Powell

  Dr. Rachakonda D Prabhu
  Dr. Lata Shete Prabhu

  Mrs. Penny Pritzker
  Dr. Brian Traubert

  Ms. Kavita Ramdas

  Her Excellency Nirupama Rao, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India, Indian Delegation

  Ms. Preetha Reddy

  The Honorable (Governor) Edward Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania (D)
  The Honorable (Judge) Marjorie Rendell, First Lady of Pennsylvania

  Mr. Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting

  The Honorable (Ambassador) Susan Rice, United States Ambassador to the United Nations
  Mr. Ian Cameron

  The Honorable (Governor) Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico (D)
  Mrs. Barbara Richardson, First Lady of New Mexico

  Ms. Robin Roberts

  Mrs. Marian Robinson

  Ambassador Timothy Roemer, US Ambassador to India
  Mrs. Mary Johnston

  Ms. Desiree Rogers, Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary

  Mr. John Rogers

  The Honorable (Dr.) Christina Romer, Chair, Council of Economic Advisers

  Mr. Dennis Ross, NSC

  The Honorable (Rep) Edward Randall Royce, United States Representative
  Marie Therese Royce

  Mr. Michael Sacks
  Mrs. Cari Sacks

  The Honorable (Rep.) Linda Sanchez, United States Representative (D/California)
  Mr. James Sullivan, Guest of Then Honorable Linda Sanchez

  Mr. Pankaj Saran, Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Indian Delegation

  His Excellency Shyam Saran, Special Envoy to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Indian Delegation

  Mr. Jaideep Sarkar, Personal Secretary to the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Indian Delegation

  Mr. Parag Saxena

  The Honorable (Rep.) Jan Schakowsky, United States Representative (D/Illinois)
  Mr. Robert Creamer

  The Honorable (Mr.) Phil Schiliro, Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs                     
  Mrs. Jody Schiliro

  Ms. Annetta Seecharran
  Seema Agnani

  Mr. Stuart Seldowitz, Acting Director for South Asia, NSC

  Dr. Amartya Sen
  Ms. Emma Georgina Rothschild

  Under Secretary Rajiv J Shah, Under Secretary for Research, Education & Economics, Department of Agriculture

  The Honorable Sonal Shah, Deputy Assist to the President, Director Office of SICP, Domestic Policy Council

  Mr. Vinod Shah

  Her Excellency Meera SHANKAR, Ambassador, India

  The Honorable Susan Sher, Assistant to the President/Chief of Staff to the First Lady
  The Honorable (Mr.) Neil Cohen

  Mr. M. Night Shyamalan
  Mrs. Bhavna Shyamalan

  Ms. Amrit Singh
  Mr. Analjit Singh

  Mr. Arun K. Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of India, Indian Delegation

  Mr. Balvinder Singh
  Mr. Mohinder Singh

  Mr. Lakhwinder Singh
  Mrs. Sukhbir Kaur

  Ms. Upinder Singh

  Mr. Steven Spielberg

  Mr. Sri Srinivasan
  Ms. Carla Garrett

  Ms. Srinija Srinivasan

  The Honorable (Mr.) Jim Steinberg, Deputy Secretary of State
  Ms. Sherburne Bradstreet

  Mrs. Semonti Stephens, Deputy Press Secretary, Office of the First Lady

  Mr. Andy Stern
  Ms. Anna Burger

  Mrs. Jane Stetson
  Mr. Bill Stetson

  Honorable (Dr.) Larry Summers, Director, National Economic Council
  Dr. Elisa New

  The Honorable (Ms.) Mona Sutphen, Office of Chief of Staff
  Mr. Clyde Williams

  Mr. Ratan Tata

  The Honorable (Ms.) Tina Tchen, Office of Public Liaison

  Ambassador Vinai Thummalapally, Ambassador, Embassy of Belize
  Mrs. Barbara Thummalapally

  Mr. Jim Torrey
  Ms. Rose P Lynch

  Mr. Richard Trumka
  Mr. Paul H Lemmon

  Ms. Urvashi Vaid
  Ms. Kate Clinton

  Mr. Kirk Wagar
  Ms. Crystal Connor

  Dr. Eric E. Whitaker
  Dr. Cheryl Whitaker

  Mr. Brian Williams
  Mrs. Jane Williams

  Mr. Wellington Wilson
  Mrs. Wilson

  Mr. Neal Wolin, Deputy Secretary, Department of Treasury

  Ms. Alfre Woodard
  Mr. Blair E Underwood

  Mr. Fareed Zakaria
  Ms. Paula Throckmorton Zakaria

• Joint Statement between Prime Minister Dr. Singh and President Obama
  

  INDIA AND THE UNITED STATES: PARTNERSHIP FOR A BETTER WORLD

  Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and President Barack Obama today reaffirmed the global strategic partnership between India and the United States, and launched a new phase in this partnership.  Commending the deepening bilateral cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies across a broad spectrum of human endeavors, the two leaders recognized that the common ideals and complementary strengths of India and the United States today provide a foundation for addressing the global challenges of the 21st century.

  The two leaders noted that  the shared values cherished by their peoples and espoused by their founders – democracy, pluralism, tolerance, openness, and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights – are acquiring an increasingly greater prominence in building a more peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, secure and sustainable world.  These values are exemplified by the vibrant linkages between their peoples, which are a unique asset for both countries, and are reflected in the role played by the Indian-American community.

  The two leaders resolved to harness these shared strengths and to expand the U.S.-India global partnership for the benefit of their countries, for peace, stability and prosperity in Asia, and for the betterment of the world.  To this end, they committed to build upon the India-U.S. Strategic Dialogue announced in July 2009.  President Obama stated that the United States looks forward to a stable and prosperous India playing an increasingly important role in world affairs.

  ADVANCING GLOBAL SECURITY AND COUNTERING TERRORISM

  Prime Minister Singh and President Obama recognized that the India-U.S. partnership is indispensable for global peace and security.  In this context, the interests of both countries are best advanced through the values mirrored in their societies.

  They acknowledged the common threat that international terrorism poses to regional and global security.  They condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and declared that there could be no justification for terrorism anywhere.

  On the eve of its first anniversary, President Obama reiterated the United States’s condemnation of the terrorist attack in Mumbai in November 2008.  The two leaders underscored the absolute imperative to bring to justice the perpetrators of this terrorist attack.

  They expressed their grave concern about the threat posed by terrorism and violent extremists emanating from India's neighborhood, whose impact is felt beyond the region.  The two leaders agreed that resolute and credible steps must be taken to eliminate safe havens and sanctuaries that provide shelter to terrorists and their activities.  These undermine security and stability in the region and around the world.

  They vowed to redouble their efforts to deal effectively with terrorism, while protecting their countries’ common ideals and shared values and committed themselves to strengthening global consensus and legal regimes against terrorism.  They decided on a Counterterrorism Cooperation Initiative to expand collaboration on counterterrorism, information sharing, and capacity building.

  The two leaders reiterated their shared interest in the stability, development and independence of Afghanistan and in the defeat of terrorist safe havens in Pakistan and Afghanistan.  President Obama appreciated India’s role in reconstruction and rebuilding efforts in Afghanistan.  The two leaders agreed to enhance their respective efforts in this direction.

  The two leaders committed to continue pursuing mutually beneficial defense cooperation through the existing security dialogue, service-level exchanges, defense exercises and trade and technology transfer and collaboration.  They recognized the scope for cooperation in the areas of non-traditional threats to security, peacekeeping, humanitarian and disaster relief, and maritime security and protecting sea lanes of communication. They agreed to expedite necessary arrangements to facilitate these activities.

  The two leaders agreed that strengthening high technology trade between their countries is in the spirit of their strategic dialogue and partnership.  They reiterated their shared commitment to technology security and that it is in their mutual interest to invigorate this area of their partnership.

  Prime Minister Singh and President Obama reaffirmed their shared vision of a world free of nuclear weapons and pledged to work together, as leaders of responsible states with advanced nuclear technology, for global non-proliferation, and universal, non-discriminatory and complete nuclear disarmament.  Part of that vision is working together to ensure that all nations live up to their international obligations.  India reaffirmed its unilateral and voluntary moratorium on nuclear explosive testing.  The United States reaffirmed its testing moratorium and its commitment to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and bring it into force at an early date.  Both leaders agreed to consult each other regularly and seek the early start of negotiations on a multilateral, non-discriminatory and internationally verifiable Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty at the Conference on Disarmament.  They noted that nuclear terrorism, and clandestine networks are a matter of grave concern.  Prime Minister Singh and President Obama look forward to the April 2010 Nuclear Security Summit and working together with all participating states for the success of the Summit.

  ENSURING SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AND A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE

  Recognizing that energy security, food security, climate change are interlinked, and that eliminating poverty and ensuring sustainable development and a clean energy future are among the foremost global objectives, the two leaders agreed to enter into a Green Partnership to address these global challenges.

  They two Leaders reaffirmed their intention to promote the full, effective and sustained implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in accordance with the Bali Action Plan.  Recognizing their special role in promoting a successful and substantive outcome at the UNFCCC 15th Conference of Parties at Copenhagen in December, 2009, they reaffirmed their intention to work together bilaterally and with all other countries for an agreed outcome at that meeting.

  The two leaders also affirmed that the Copenhagen outcome must be comprehensive and cover mitigation, adaptation, finance and technology, and in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, it should reflect emission reduction targets of developed countries and nationally appropriate mitigation actions of developing countries.  There should be full transparency through appropriate processes as to the implementation of aforesaid mitigation actions.  The outcome should further reflect the need for substantially scaled-up financial resources to support mitigation and adaptation in developing countries, in particular, for the poorest and most vulnerable.  It should also include measures for promoting technology development, dissemination and transfer and capacity building, including consideration of a center or a network of centers to support and stimulate climate innovation. India and the United States, consistent with their national circumstances, resolved to take significant national mitigation actions that will strengthen the world's ability to combat climate change.  They resolved to stand by these commitments.

  Recognizing the need to create the clean energy economy of the 21st century, Prime Minister Singh and President Obama agreed to launch a Clean Energy and Climate Change Initiative. The goal of the Initiative would be to improve the lives of the people of both countries by developing and improving access to technologies that make our energy cleaner, affordable and more efficient.  The Initiative will include cooperation in wind and solar energy, second generation bio-fuels, unconventional gas, energy efficiency, and clean coal technologies including carbon capture and storage.  The success of this Initiative is expected to enhance the ability of India and the United States to provide new economic opportunities for their people and create new clean energy jobs.

  The two leaders intend to take practical steps to promote global food security, including by advancing the L’Aquila Food Security Initiative.  They looked forward to increasing India-U.S. agricultural cooperation with the purpose of promoting agricultural research, human resources capacity building, natural resource management, agri-business and food processing, and collaborative research for increasing food productivity.  This cooperation would contribute to joint development of technology that would improve weather forecasting, including predicting monsoons, and technology that would contribute to food productivity and food security efforts in India.

  They agreed to collaborate in the application of their space technology and related scientific capabilities in outer space and for development purposes, including in the field of agriculture.

  The two leaders reiterated their intention to realize the full potential of the India-U.S. Agreement for Cooperation concerning the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy through the implementation of its provisions.  They agreed to expedite U.S. firms' participation in the implementation of this agreement.

  STIMULATING GLOBAL ECONOMIC REVIVAL

  Prime Minister Singh and President Obama noted the new opportunities offered by their economies and their respective strengths, and their potential for future growth to catalyze global economic growth, and pledged to create conditions that would facilitate their continued expansion.

  The leaders also noted that the United States is currently the largest trading partner of India in goods and services.  The leaders reiterated their pledge to bolster and deepen cooperation on economic, trade and agricultural issues, including working bilaterally and with multilateral trade organizations to foster increased trade.  Both leaders welcomed the potential for further expanding trade and investment between their countries, including in sectors such as infrastructure, information and communication technologies, healthcare services, education services, energy and environmentally friendly technologies.

  As members of the G 20, they agreed to advance the G 20 understandings including with regard to energy security and resisting protectionism in all its forms.  The two leaders agreed to facilitate greater movement of professionals, investors and business travelers, students, and exchange visitors between our two countries to enhance their economic and technological partnership.

  They committed to strengthen and reform the global economic and financial architecture in the G-20, World Bank and the IMF.  They resolved to seek an ambitious and balanced outcome of the Doha Round, consistent with its mandate and reaffirmed their commitment to an open, fair, equitable, transparent and rule-based multilateral trading system.

  The two leaders announced their intention to develop a Framework for Cooperation on Trade and Investment.  This Framework is expected to foster an environment conducive to technological innovation and collaboration, promote inclusive growth and job creation, and support opportunities for increased trade and investment - including for small and medium-sized enterprises.  They agreed to launch the U.S.-India Financial and Economic Partnership to strengthen engagement on economic, financial, and investment-related issues.

  The two leaders welcomed the progress achieved in the discussions on a Bilateral Investment Treaty and pledged to take further initiatives that would contribute to creating a more conducive environment for investment flows.

  They recognized the contribution of the business and industrial sectors of both countries in this regard and called upon the India-U.S. CEOs Forum to identify new directions in the India-U.S. economic relationship. 

  EDUCATING AND EMPOWERING FUTURE GENERATIONS

  Recognizing the cultural emphasis on education in both countries, Prime Minister Singh and President Obama emphasized that education holds the key to the advancement of their societies, and to a more prosperous and stable world. 

  They agreed that access to and development of technology was a cross-cutting requirement to meet the challenges that their two countries face.  They acknowledged the fruitful collaboration between the two countries in the fields of education, research and science and technology, which has contributed to their emergence as knowledge societies.

  Taking advantage of that strength, President Obama and Prime Minister Singh launched the Obama-Singh 21st Century Knowledge Initiative with funding from both sides to increase university linkages and junior faculty development exchanges between U.S. and Indian universities, including greater emphasis on community colleges.

  They agreed to substantially expand the Fulbright-Nehru program to provide more student and scholar exchange grants in priority fields such as science, technology and agriculture. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of expanding cooperation in higher education and research, and according priority to cooperation in the area of skill development.

  They also expressed their support for the India-U.S. Binational Science and Technology Commission and the Endowment, which is expected to give a fresh impetus to collaboration in the cutting edge areas of scientific research, technology and development.

  The leaders affirmed the importance of women’s empowerment to advancing global prosperity and stability, and welcomed the establishment of a Women’s Empowerment Dialogue to promote women’s participation and equality in all spheres.  They emphasized that women’s empowerment is a cross-cutting goal that should be pursued across the full scope of U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue initiatives.

  PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF OUR PEOPLE

  Prime Minister Singh and President Obama welcomed the strong collaboration between India and the United States in the area of public health.  They agreed to build on existing strong ties across academia and scientific communities by advancing public health and biomedical research collaborations between the United States and India. The two countries plan to establish a Regional Global Disease Detection Center in India and to build a partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The leaders also pledged to enhance collaboration in controlling diseases such as polio, and discovering new and affordable technologies and treatments for the benefit of their peoples and for those of other countries who seek their assistance.

  TOWARDS MORE EFFECTIVE GLOBAL COOPERATION

  Prime Minister Singh and President Obama recognized that the India-U.S. relationship is important for managing the challenges the world will face in the 21st century.

  The two leaders underscored the compelling need to put in place global institutions which are both inclusive and effective to meet present and future challenges.  They welcomed the emergence of the G-20 as a premier forum to deal with international economic issues.  The two leaders recognized the scope for their countries to increase cooperation in peacekeeping, development and the promotion of essential human freedoms.  They committed themselves to achieving genuine reform of the United Nations including in its Security Council in a manner that reflects the contemporary realities of the 21st century and thereby enhances its ability to carry out its mandate as a representative, credible and effective forum for meeting the challenges of the new century.

  Prime Minister Singh thanked President Obama and the people of the United States of America for their generous hospitality and warm welcome.  President Obama looks forward to visiting India with his family in the near future.

  ** This statement has been corrected.

• President Obama Establishes New Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues, Names Commission Leadership
  

  WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order creating a new Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues.  He also announced today he has appointed Amy Gutmann to serve as Chair and James W. Wagner to serve as Vice Chair of the Commission.

  President Obama said, “As our nation invests in science and innovation and pursues advances in biomedical research and health care, it’s imperative that we do so in a responsible manner.  This new Commission will develop its recommendations through practical and policy-related analyses.  I am confident that Amy and Jim will use their decades of experience in both ethics and science to guide the new Commission in this work, and I look forward to listening to their recommendations in the coming months and years.”

  The President’s Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues will advise the President on bioethical issues that may emerge from advances in biomedicine and related areas of science and technology.  The Commission will work with the goal of identifying and promoting policies and practices that ensure scientific research, health care delivery, and technological innovation are conducted in an ethically responsible manner.  The full Executive Order is attached.

  President Obama also announced that he will appoint the following individuals to the Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues:

  Amy Gutmann, Chair, Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues
  Dr. Amy Gutmann – a distinguished political scientist, philosopher, and scholar of ethics and public policy – currently serves as president of the University of Pennsylvania.  She is also the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Political Science in the School of Arts and Sciences and holds secondary appointments in communications, education, and philosophy.  Prior to her appointment as the University of Pennsylvania’s president in 2004, Dr. Gutmann served as Provost at Princeton University, where she was also the Laurance S. Rockefeller University Professor of Politics.  At Princeton, she was the founding Director of the University Center for Human Values – a leading multi-disciplinary center that fosters greater research and discourse on ethics and human values.  Dr. Gutmann has authored and edited 15 books and has published more than 100 articles, essays, and book chapters.  She is a founding member of the Association of Practical and Professional Ethics, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Vanguard Corporation, and the Board of Trustees of the National Constitution Center.  She received her B.A. magna cum laude from Harvard-Radcliffe College, M.Sc. from the London School of Economics, and Ph.D. from Harvard University.

  James W. Wagner, Vice Chair, Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues
  James W. Wagner currently serves as the President of Emory University, where he has championed the role of ethics in the mission of the University by significantly enhancing the prominence of Emory’s university-wide Center for Ethics and including ethical engagement as one of the six pillars of the University’s strategic vision.  Dr. Wagner previously served as Provost, University Vice President, and Interim President of Case Western Reserve University. Prior to that, he was Dean and Professor of Materials Science at the Case School of Engineering from 1998 to 2000.  His academic career began at The Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering as Professor of Materials Science and Engineering with a secondary appointment in Biomedical Engineering.  He ultimately chaired the Johns Hopkins Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering.  Before becoming a professor, Dr. Wagner worked for nearly a decade as a researcher for the Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health where he developed quality-assurance methods and performed failure analyses on medical devices.  Dr. Wagner has authored more than 115 professional publications, and was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2009.  He holds a B.A. in electrical engineering from the University of Delaware, an M.A. in clinical engineering from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering.

• Remarks by the First Lady at Indian State Dinner Press Preview
  

  Click here to download PDF to view the Press Preview

  2:00 P.M. EST

  MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you.  Welcome, everyone.  How are you all doing?  It's good to see you.

  Well, as Desiree mentioned, this is a very exciting time here at the White House and we are just excited to welcome all of you.  We've got a big day going on -- this is our first official state visit of the Obama administration.  It's very exciting for us.

  And today the President is welcoming and working with India's Prime Minister Singh.  And this evening, tonight the President and I are going to be hosting our first state dinner -- and we're hosting for the Prime Minister and his wife, Mrs. Kaur, who we met earlier today.

  So one of the things we thought -- and I don't know about all of you -- is whether you wonder, what are these state dinners all about and these state visits?  Because when I was your age I didn't know what they were doing.  So we thought it would be fun to take a little time to expose you to what's going to happen today and this evening.  So that's why you are all here today and we're really excited to have you.

  These state visits and dinners are a really important part of our nation's diplomacy.  Throughout history, they've given U.S. presidents -- and the American people -- the opportunity to make important milestones in foreign relations.  So these dinners and events are really critical to what we do internationally.  And they've helped build stronger ties with nations as well as people around the world.  That's what President Obama and Prime Minister Singh are doing today.

  And I know that all of us on our team here at the West Wing and the East Wing, we wish that we could include many, many more people in today's events and this evening's events because it's not often that you get to do this.  But even with a house like the White House, there's only so many people that we can invite.  So one of the ways that First Ladies in the past have tried to include the broader public in on what's going on is by holding these types of events where we invite the press to share some of the incredible behind-the-scenes work that goes into planning and pulling off this amazing day.

  But today we're also doing something a little different by having you all here.  As our mentees know, one of the things we've talked about that the President and I have tried to do is really open up this White House to our neighbors here in Washington, D.C., especially to local students and to children in our community.  Because what we know is that even though many of you guys live just a few minutes, maybe a little bit away from here -- but you're close -- these events probably seem like they're miles and miles away, like they're just untouchable. 

  So that's why we really tried to think about ways to include kids in the community all throughout today's event.  At the opening ceremonies today we invited about 50 students from local schools to attend the welcoming event.  And that's why we're so happy to have you guys here with us today.  And for those of you who don't know, these girls are a part of our young women who participate in the White House Leadership and Mentoring Program.  And we're really thrilled to have you guys here, because this is your White House and we want you to be a part of what we do here.

  So, how do we get this stuff done?  The President and I are going to host this really neat dinner outside in the tent.  But we describe it, it's sort of like a swan, where we're kind of calm and serene above water -- but we're paddling like mad, going crazy underneath, trying to look smooth.  But there's a lot of work that goes into making this happen and we have a lot of people who are helping to put it together.  And it takes everyone at the White House and the State Department and the Military Office who've worked so hard to put all of the events together today -- the guest list, the invitations, the place settings that you see here, you've got to figure out who sits where -- all that fun stuff.

  It takes all the folks in the kitchen -- we have our incredible White House Chef Cris Comerford -- who some of you guy met -- and the rest of our kitchen staff.  And tonight, we're going to include a guest chef tonight, a gentleman by the name of Marcus Samuellson -- and he's one of the finest chefs in the country, who is going to cook the dinner this evening.  Cris, Marcus and our kitchen staff are working on a wonderful menu tonight that you'll be able to share in a little bit.  It's going to showcase the best of American cooking.  It's going to include the freshest ingredients from area farmers and purveyors.  And because of all of the hard work of some other kids in the community, we've got this wonderful White House kitchen garden out in the South Lawn and we're going to use some of the herbs from that garden in tonight's dinner as well.

  But there's also more to the dinner than just the food, even though that's going to be exciting.  Dinners like these also need great entertainment.  So who do we have tonight?  We've got someone you guys probably know a lot about:  Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson is going to sing tonight -- yay!  But also have A.R. Rahman.  He's also an Oscar winner and he helped create some of the music for the film "Slumdog Millionaire."  I don't know if you guys got to see that movie -- incredible movie.  We're also going to have Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Kurt Elling, who's a Chicago hometown guy and we're pleased to have him.  And we're also going to have the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Marvin Hamlisch, who's one of the greatest composers in this country.

  So it's going to be an incredible night for a lot of our guests.  And in just a few minutes, you're going to hear a little bit more about the whole process of state visits and dinners from White House Historian, Bill Allman.  He's going to give you a little bit of the background to how these things have worked in the past.  And you're also going to hear about the importance of protocol from Tanya Turner, who is a protocol officer from the State Department.  And protocol is critical -- protocol, how you stand, how you sit, who walks where -- all of that is really important.  So Tanya is going to share with us how all that works and how we think about it.

  But before I turn it over to them, I just want to take a few moments to share with everyone here also why today means so much to me, personally.

  As you've seen from this year, I have been on the other side of these visits and dinners -- as a guest in many countries.  Since becoming First Lady, I've had the opportunity to visit eight countries with my husband, the President.  And in each and every country, during each and every visit, I have been moved by the warmth and gracious hospitality that our hosts and the citizens of the countries that we visited have extended to the President and to me.

  It means a great deal when you're visiting and your hosts make you feel like you're at home, like they're excited to see you.  It means the world.

  Each visit has also been unique and profound in its own way.  It's not just the pomp and circumstances and the lights and the cameras and the fancy dresses.  But when we've gone to other countries we've done some incredible things.  We've seen the Jewish Quarter in Prague; we visited the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican; we've been to the Coliseum in Rome; and the American Cemetery on the beaches of Normandy in France, where the world comes to honor the brave soldiers who died there.

  These places are more than just monuments to history, truly.  They compel us to see the world through a broader lens -- not just from your own backyard or your school or your neighborhood -- but they teach us to look at the world broadly and to look at our place in it in a different way; to respect and admire each other's culture and traditions in a very different way; and to honor all the values and the interests we have in common across the world. 

  You see this not in the pomp and circumstances, but in the people that you meet.  We've met tons of incredible people over the course of our trips:  the children, and the nuns who care for them, at a beautiful orphanage that I visited in Russia; young girls, girls just like many of you, that I got to spend some time with in London at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, it was an amazing day; the nurses in the maternal health clinic in Ghana, in Africa, that we got to see.

  See, all these people -- you know, the children, these caretakers, the girls, their teachers, these nurses and mothers that you've seen, that we met -- what you learn is that they all want the same things as you do, as we do.  Folks around the world, they want to live in peace; they want to pursue their dreams just like you guys do -- and they have big, huge dreams just like you; and they hope for a brighter future for the next generation, just like we hope for you.  Doesn’t matter where you're from -- these dreams are the same.

  So what we figure out from these visits is that all across the world -- non matter what our religions or races are -- that we are all building that future together.  And building that future is not just the job of any one country alone.  No one country can do it by themselves.   It's the responsibility of all our countries all over the world to work together.  And that's why the President has worked so hard to begin what he's called a new era in our relations with the world and other countries.  He's worked to strengthen diplomacy.  He's worked to renew old alliances, so that we're talking differently with countries and people that we haven't talked to before.  He's building new partnerships -- and these partnerships he hopes will be based on mutual trust and respect.

  But one of the things that the President has said is that this new era of engagement can't just be between governments -- you know, it's not just about the presidents and prime ministers getting along.  This new era of engagement also has to be between the people -- the diplomats, the business leaders, the scientists, the health care workers.  And yes, the teachers and the students.  Young people just like you are a part of building that future and that engagement, the ability to exchange with one another as young people as you are is critical.

  And that's why the President, when he goes to another country he makes it a point to visit and to speak with students all around the world -- whether he was in Europe or Cairo or China -- he always reaches out to young people.  And we need to expand that type of educational exchange, so that students like all of you here have the opportunity to experience and learn from other cultures -- and to share your own culture, however unique and different, with other parts of the world.

  Deepening these ties is one of the things that the President and the Prime Minister are working on today, one of the reasons for the trip and the state dinner is for these leaders to work together -- whether it's along the lines of working on the economy or climate change or global health -- they know that young people like you, students, our future leaders are among America's greatest ambassadors and India's greatest ambassadors as well.  In fact, India sends more students to study in this country than any other country -- this year alone more than 100,000 students from India came here to America to study somewhere.

  So by doing that they learn from us, and we learn from them in a very fundamental way.  And as a result of those interactions, we're all the richer for it.  And after today's visit, we'll hopefully expand these exchanges even more.  And who knows, maybe one of you all sitting at this table, one of our little mentees, will be living and studying somewhere in India -- maybe New Delhi or Mumbai or Bangalore.  Just imagine that, start thinking about your future in that way.  This visit at this table is the beginning of that for all of you.  Because, again, governments alone can't build the future that we want for the world.  That's the job for each and every one of us.

  So that's one of the lessons for today.  It's our job -- and that's one of the lessons of the relationship between the United States and India.

  Back when the President was a senator, he kept a picture of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of India, in his office.  And it was before he was a senator, he was always a big supporter and admirer of Gandhi, because Gandhi inspired so many people -- in India and all around the world -- with his example of dignity and tolerance and peace.  And with a simple call, Gandhi would say:  To be the change we wish to see in the world -- we are that change.  We are that change.

  So again, today is a celebration of the great ties between the world's two largest democracies -- that's the United States and that's India.  But it's also an opportunity to deepen those ties -- and a reminder to be the change that each of us seeks -- whether that's in your home or in your school or in your community or in your country, you are all the change that we need.

  So I'll stop lecturing and I will now turn it over to Bill and to Tanya, who will talk a bit more about the history and protocol.  And then we get to test out some of the food.

  So again, we are proud to see you, happy to see you.  We're going to see you again in December, because we're going to do some more fun stuff.  I know we have three new mentees here.  Can you guys, the new mentees, raise your hands?  I see some new faces.  Welcome.  It's good to have you.  We're going to have a lot of fun.  Just ignore them, pretend that they're not here.  (Laughter.)  And I'll turn it over to Bill.  Thank you guys, so much.

  END
  2:15 P.M. EST

• Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Singh of India in Joint Press Conference
  

  12:04 P.M. EST

  PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Please be seated.  Hello, everybody.  Namaste.  I am very pleased to welcome Prime Minister Singh to the White House on this, the first official visit of my presidency.  As I said earlier, this reflects our admiration for the Prime Minister's leadership, the deep bonds between the peoples of the United States and India, and the historic opportunity we have to strengthen and broaden the partnership between our nations.

  India today is a rising and responsible global power.  In Asia, Indian leadership is expanding prosperity and the security across the region.  And the United States welcomes and encourages India's leadership role in helping to shape the rise of a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Asia. 

  Beyond Asia, as the world's largest multiethnic democracy, as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, and as a member of the G20, India will play a pivotal role in meeting the major challenges we face today.  And this includes my top economic priority, creating good jobs with good wages for the American people. 

  So I believe that the relationship between the United States and India will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century, and this visit underscores the strengthening of that partnership, which I hope will continue throughout my presidency. That's why I've made it a priority to broaden the cooperation between our nations.

  My administration's commitment to India can be seen in our new strategic dialogue, which addresses the full range of challenges and opportunities before us.  And I'm pleased that we're joined today by the co-chairs of our dialogue -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Krishna.

  And our commitment to India can be seen in my personal partnership with Prime Minister Singh.  We've worked together on economic matters at our G20 summits in London and Pittsburgh, as well as L'Aquila.  I consider him a wise leader who has helped unleash India's extraordinary economic growth.  He is a man of honesty and integrity.  I respect him and I trust him, and I have happily accepted his gracious invitation to visit India next year.

  Now, this spirit of friendship infuses our very productive discussions today and is the reason we've made so much progress in recent years.  We agreed to strengthen the economic recovery and expand trade and investment so we can create jobs for both our peoples -- Americans and Indians. 

  Indian investment in America is creating and sustaining jobs across the United States.  The United States is India's largest trading and investment partner.  There is significant balance in our trading relationships that I think is very important and reflective of the framework that we put forward at the G20.  And to sustain this momentum we're creating new initiatives to promote trade, investment and technology cooperation, especially among our small and medium-sized businesses that create most of the jobs here in the United States.

  I reaffirmed to the Prime Minister my administration's commitment to fully implement the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, which will increase American exports and create jobs in both jobs. 

  We agreed to move forward with our commitments at the G20 summit in Pittsburgh to pursue balanced growth while ensuring that emerging economies like India have a greater voice in shaping the international financial architecture.

  We've made progress in confronting climate change.  I commended the Prime Minister for India's leadership in areas like green buildings and energy efficiency, and we agreed to a series of important new efforts:  a clean energy initiative that will create jobs and improve people's access to cleaner, more affordable energy; a green partnership to reduce poverty through sustainable and equitable development; and an historic effort to phase out subsidies for fossil fuels.

  With just two weeks until the beginning of Copenhagen, it's also essential that all countries do what is necessary to reach a strong operational agreement that will confront the threat of climate change while serving as a stepping-stone to a legally binding treaty. 

  And to that end, Prime Minister Singh and I made important progress today.  We reaffirmed that an agreement in Copenhagen should be comprehensive and cover all the issues under negotiation.  We resolved to take significant national mitigation actions that will strengthen the world's ability to combat climate change.  We agreed to stand by these commitments with full transparency through appropriate processes as to their implementation.  All this builds on the progress that we made in Beijing, and it takes us one step closer to a successful outcome in Copenhagen.

  We also agreed to deepen our cooperation against transnational threats.  The American people join our Indian friends in remembering the horrific attacks in Mumbai one year ago this week.  To prevent future attacks, we agreed that our law enforcement and intelligence agencies will work even closer, including sharing more information.  We discussed my review of our policy in Afghanistan, and I thanked Prime Minister Singh for India's substantial contributions to the Afghan people.

  I welcomed the Prime Minister's support for the non-proliferation agenda that I laid out in Prague, and I look forward to India's participation in our nuclear summit -- nuclear security summit next year, as well as India's participation as a full partner in our shared vision of a world without nuclear weapons.

  Now, part of that vision is working together to ensure that all nations, including Iran and South -- North Korea, live up to their international obligations.  We agreed to expand the educational exchanges that will fuel our knowledge-based economies.  We're dramatically expanding the Fulbright-Nehru program that brings so many of our students and scholars together, especially in science and technology.  And we are increasing ties and exchanges between our universities and community colleges as part of a new Obama-Singh -- or Singh-Obama --(laughter) -- 21st Century Knowledge Initiative.  We think it's appropriately named.

  To advance our historic food security initiative, American and Indian researchers will collaborate to improve agricultural output and reduce hunger -- not only in India, where enormous strides have been made, but around the world -- and India has much to teach the developing world in terms of achieving food sufficiency.

  And our Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will partner with their Indian counterparts to create a new disease detection center in India to combat infectious diseases and promote global health.

  This is the concrete progress made today across a whole range of issues to create jobs, opportunity and security for our people.  As a result, I believe the relationship between our two countries has never been stronger -- a reminder that it will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.

  We look forward to celebrating our partnership tonight, as Michelle and I host the Prime Minister and Mrs. Kaur at the first state dinner of my presidency.  It will be another opportunity to convey to the Prime Minister and the people of India, as India assumes its rightful place as a global leader in this century, that you will have no better friend and partner than the United States of America.

  Mr. Prime Minister, thank you so much for your presence here today.  The floor is yours.

  PRIME MINISTER SINGH:  Mr. President, distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the media.  I thank from the core of my heart President Obama for his very generous hospitality and for his very warm sentiments towards India -- and to me, in particular.  I am honored to be here today in this great country at the invitation of His Excellency, the President. 

  When India and the United States meet, it is a moment to celebrate the values of democracy, pluralism, liberty, and freedom.  Today we have done that and much more.

  In our discussions today, we reaffirmed the importance of our relationship and decided on future steps to enhance our strategic partnership.  We have agreed to further intensify our trade, investment, and economic cooperation in a way that creates jobs and prosperity in both our two countries and stimulates global economic recovery.

  We admire the leadership that President Obama has provided to stimulate and guide the G20 process that is now fully in place.  We have decided to give a fresh impetus to collaboration in the fields of education, agriculture, and health.  We will deepen our ongoing cooperation in frontier areas of science and technology, nuclear power, and space.  This will open new opportunities for our universities and laboratories, and create human capital to meet the global needs of the future.

  We had a very constructive exchange of views on strategic issues.  Our defense cooperation is progressing well.  We agreed on the early and full implementation of our Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.  Our strategic partnership should facilitate transfer of high technologies to India.  The lifting of U.S. export controls on high technology exports to India will open vast opportunities for giant research and development efforts.  It will enable U.S. industry to benefit from the rapid economic and technological transformation that is now underway in our country.

  In a few weeks from now, the meeting of the conference of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will take place in Copenhagen.  Both President Obama and I have agreed on the need for a substantive and comprehensive outcome, which would cover mitigation, adaptation, finance, and technology.  We reaffirmed our intention to work to this end bilaterally and with all other countries. 

  We welcome the President's commitment to a major program for promotion of renewable energy, and I drew his attention to India's own ambitious national action plan on climate change, which has eight national missions covering both mitigation and adaptation. 

  Just as we partnered each other in the shaping of the knowledge economy, we have the opportunity today to become partners in developing the green economy of the future.  I underlined India's desire to benefit from clean and energy-efficient technologies from the United States.  Our partnership will contribute to global efforts to combat climate change and achieve energy security.

  We had a detailed discussion on important regional and global issues.  We agreed that the Indo-U.S. partnership was important for addressing the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world that we live in.  The global economic crisis has brought home the fact that our prosperity is interlinked. 

  Our dialogue covered the need to have an open and inclusive architecture in the Asia Pacific regions.  It is important for the international community to sustain its engagement in Afghanistan, to help its emergence as a modern state.

  The focus -- the forces of terrorism in our region pose a grave threat to the entire civilized world and have to be defeated.  President Obama and I have decided to strengthen our cooperation in the area of counterterrorism.

  India welcomes the renewed international interest in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.  We have been a consistent advocate of a world free of nuclear weapons.  We will work with the United States and other countries for the success of the nuclear security summit, which President Obama is hosting next April.

  In our discussions today, there was a meeting of minds on the future direction of our relations.  I was deeply impressed by President Obama's strong commitment to the India-U.S. strategic partnership and by the breadth of his vision for global peace and prosperity.

  I have invited President Obama to visit India.  A very warm welcome awaits him, his gracious wife and his two daughters. 

  I thank you.

  PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Thank you very much. 

  We're going to take one question each, one from an American journalist and one from an Indian journalist.  And I'm going to call on Mark Knoller.  Where's Mark?  There you are.  Good to see you, Mark.

  Q    Good to see you, sir.  Mr. President, I suspect you don't want my colleagues and I to rely on leaks until next week, so I'd like to ask you about --

  PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Why stop now?  (Laughter.)

  Q    Well, perhaps you'd like to help us set a new stage in our relationship by telling us where you stand on your decision on Afghanistan.  You had your -- what we were told was your final meeting last evening.  Can you tell us how many more troops you'll be sending to Afghanistan, how you'll be paying for them, and whether you'll be announcing a timetable and/or exit strategy for them?

  PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Mark, I will be making an announcement to the American people about how we intend to move forward.  I will be doing so shortly. 

  I think that the review that we've gone through has been comprehensive and extremely useful, and has brought together my key military advisors, but also civilian advisors.  I can tell you, as I've said before, that it is in our strategic interest, in our national security interest to make sure that al Qaeda and its extremist allies cannot operate effectively in those areas.  We are going to dismantle and degrade their capabilities and ultimately dismantle and destroy their networks.  And Afghanistan's stability is important to that process.

  I've also indicated that after eight years -- some of those years in which we did not have, I think, either the resources or the strategy to get the job done -- it is my intention to finish the job.  And I feel very confident that when the American people hear a clear rationale for what we're doing there and how we intend to achieve our goals that they will be supportive.

  Now, I think it's worth mentioning since I'm with the Prime Minister of India that this important not just to the United States, but it's important to the world, and that the whole world I think has a core security interest in making sure that the kind of extremism and violence that you've seen emanating from this region is tackled, confronted in a serious way.

  Now, we have to do it as part of a broader international community.  And so one of the things I'm going to be discussing is the obligations of our international partners in this process. It's going to be very important to recognize that the Afghan people ultimately are going to have to provide for their own security.  And so we'll be discussing that process whereby Afghan security forces are properly trained and equipped to do the job. And it's going to be important to recognize that in order for us to succeed there you've got to have a comprehensive strategy that includes civilian and diplomatic efforts.

  So I think that's a sufficient preview to last until after Thanksgiving, Mark. 

  Q    Tuesday night, sir?

  PRESIDENT OBAMA:  After Thanksgiving.  (Laughter.)  And I'm sure that at that point, if there are further questions, that we'll be answering them to the satisfaction not just of you, but to the satisfaction of the American people. 

  PRIME MINISTER SINGH:  Ms. Smita Prakash. 

  Q    My question to you:  Would you call India and the U.S. as natural allies, especially in the sphere of combating the terrorism in our region?  Because there is a perception in India that the military aid that you give Pakistan is misused against India, and it is really the epicenter of terrorism.  Did this issue come up in your discussions with the Prime Minister, and would you be pressurizing Pakistan to get its act in order?  And to the Prime Minister, I'd like to ask when is the nuclear deal really going to go on the road?

  PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, first of all, I think that the United States and India are natural allies not just around counterterrorism issues, but on a whole host of issues.  As we discussed earlier, we're the world's two largest democracies.  We have a range of shared values and ideals.  We're both entrepreneurial societies.  We're both multiethnic societies.  We are societies that believe in human rights and core freedoms that are enshrined in our founding documents. 

  And one of the things that I think makes us such strong allies is the people-to-people contact.  It's one thing for leaders to have exchanges like this one, and that's very important, obviously.  But the incredible contributions that Indian Americans have made to the growth of our country and the degree to which they are woven into the very fabric of our society, the fact that very few Indians don't have some family member somewhere who has a connection to the United States -- that kind of exchange strengthens and deepens the bonds between our two countries in a profound way.

  Now, with respect to security issues in the region, the Prime Minister and I -- Prime Minister Singh and I had extensive discussions about that.  I think we both recognize that our core goal is to achieve peace and security for all peoples in the region, not just one country or the other.  And one of the things I admire most about Prime Minister Singh is that I think at his core he is a man of peace.

  Obviously there are historic conflicts between India and Pakistan.  It is not the place of the United States to try to, from the outside, resolve all those conflicts.  On the other hand, we want to be encouraging of ways in which both India and Pakistan can feel secure, and focus on the development of their own countries and their own people.

  With respect to the relationship between the United States and Pakistan's military, I think that there have probably been times in the past in which we were so single-mindedly focused just on military assistance in Pakistan that we didn't think more broadly about how to encourage and develop the kinds of civil society in Pakistan that would make a difference in the lives of people day to day.

  And Secretary Clinton, I think, has done an excellent job in trying to move forward -- where is she?  I thought she was around here somewhere -- but anyway, she's done an excellent job, I think, in helping our State Department to refocus our energies on that front as well. 

  And obviously Pakistan has an enormously important role in the security of the region by making sure that the extremist organizations that often operate out of its territories are dealt with effectively.  And we've seen some progress.  The work that the Pakistan military is doing in the Swat Valley in west -- in south Waziristan all indicates the degree to which they are beginning to recognize that extremism, even if initially directed to the outside, can ultimately also have an adverse impact on their security internally.

  So my hope is, is that over time what we're going to see is further clarity and further cooperation between all the parties and all peoples of goodwill in the region to eradiate terrorist activity, to eradicate the kind of violent extremism that we've seen.  I think that will benefit the peoples of Pakistan and India and the world community as well.

  PRIME MINISTER SINGH:  The President and myself had a very useful and productive exchange of views relating to security, peace, and counterterrorism in our regions.  I'm very satisfied with the outcome of my discussion with President Obama. 

  As far as the nuclear deal is concerned, the President has reaffirmed that it is the common resolve of our two governments to operationalize the nuclear deal as early as possible.  There are a few "i's" and "t's" which have to be crossed -- and I am confident and I have the assurance of the President that that process can be completed without much further loss of time.

  PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Thank you very much, everybody.

  END
  12:30 P.M. EST

Presidential Weekly Radio Address

President George W. Bush delivers a weekly radio address to the nation that airs each Saturday at 10:06 AM (ET).

• President's Radio Address to the Nation - January 17, 2009
  In his final weekly radio address, President Bush said, " Eight years ago, on a cold January morning, I stood on the steps of the United States Capitol, placed my hand on the Bible, and swore a sacred oath to defend our people and our Constitution. On that day, I spoke of "our Nation's grand story of courage and its simple dream of dignity." Next week, my term of service will come to an end -- but that story and that dream will continue."
• President's Radio Address to the Nation - January 10, 2009
  In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, "This week, I gave my official farewell speech to the men and women of America's Armed Forces in a ceremony at Fort Myer, Virginia. For the past eight years, I have had no higher honor than serving as the Commander-in-Chief of these brave patriots. And when Laura and I depart for Texas later this month, we will take with us many inspiring memories of the valor that we have seen these brave Americans display time and again."
• President's Radio Address to the Nation - January 2, 2009
  In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, "In the days ahead, the United States will stay closely engaged with our partners in the region, in Europe, and in the international community. My Administration will continue to keep the President-elect and his team informed. And America's objectives in the Middle East will remain clear: We seek security and peace for our allies, the free people of Israel. For the Palestinian people, we seek a peaceful and democratic Palestinian state that serves its citizens and respects its neighbors. For all in the region, we seek an end to terror. And we seek an enduring peace based on justice, dignity, and human rights for every person in every nation of the Middle East."
• President's Radio Address to the Nation - December 23, 2008
  In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "This week, millions of Americans gather with loved ones for Christmas. This is a season of hope and joy. And it is an occasion to remember a humble birth that has helped shape the world for more than two thousand years. One of the things that makes Christmas special is that it allows us to step back and take stock of what is truly meaningful in our lives. As years pass by, we often forget about the gifts and the parties, but we remember special moments with families and friends."
• President's Radio Address to the Nation - December 20, 2008
  In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "The actions I'm taking represent a step that we all wish were not necessary. But given the situation, it is the most effective and responsible way to address this challenge facing our Nation. By giving the auto companies a chance to restructure, we will shield the American people from a harsh economic blow at a vulnerable time. And we will give American workers an opportunity to show the world once again that they can meet challenges with ingenuity and determination, and emerge stronger than before."

Presidential Weekly Radio Address

President George W. Bush delivers a weekly radio address to the nation that airs each Saturday at 10:06 AM (ET).

• President's Radio Address to the Nation - January 17, 2009
  In his final weekly radio address, President Bush said, " Eight years ago, on a cold January morning, I stood on the steps of the United States Capitol, placed my hand on the Bible, and swore a sacred oath to defend our people and our Constitution. On that day, I spoke of "our Nation's grand story of courage and its simple dream of dignity." Next week, my term of service will come to an end -- but that story and that dream will continue."
• President's Radio Address to the Nation - January 10, 2009
  In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, "This week, I gave my official farewell speech to the men and women of America's Armed Forces in a ceremony at Fort Myer, Virginia. For the past eight years, I have had no higher honor than serving as the Commander-in-Chief of these brave patriots. And when Laura and I depart for Texas later this month, we will take with us many inspiring memories of the valor that we have seen these brave Americans display time and again."
• President's Radio Address to the Nation - January 2, 2009
  In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, "In the days ahead, the United States will stay closely engaged with our partners in the region, in Europe, and in the international community. My Administration will continue to keep the President-elect and his team informed. And America's objectives in the Middle East will remain clear: We seek security and peace for our allies, the free people of Israel. For the Palestinian people, we seek a peaceful and democratic Palestinian state that serves its citizens and respects its neighbors. For all in the region, we seek an end to terror. And we seek an enduring peace based on justice, dignity, and human rights for every person in every nation of the Middle East."
• President's Radio Address to the Nation - December 23, 2008
  In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "This week, millions of Americans gather with loved ones for Christmas. This is a season of hope and joy. And it is an occasion to remember a humble birth that has helped shape the world for more than two thousand years. One of the things that makes Christmas special is that it allows us to step back and take stock of what is truly meaningful in our lives. As years pass by, we often forget about the gifts and the parties, but we remember special moments with families and friends."
• President's Radio Address to the Nation - December 20, 2008
  In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "The actions I'm taking represent a step that we all wish were not necessary. But given the situation, it is the most effective and responsible way to address this challenge facing our Nation. By giving the auto companies a chance to restructure, we will shield the American people from a harsh economic blow at a vulnerable time. And we will give American workers an opportunity to show the world once again that they can meet challenges with ingenuity and determination, and emerge stronger than before."

Presidential Weekly Radio Address

President George W. Bush delivers a weekly radio address to the nation that airs each Saturday at 10:06 AM (ET).

• President's Radio Address to the Nation - January 17, 2009
  In his final weekly radio address, President Bush said, " Eight years ago, on a cold January morning, I stood on the steps of the United States Capitol, placed my hand on the Bible, and swore a sacred oath to defend our people and our Constitution. On that day, I spoke of "our Nation's grand story of courage and its simple dream of dignity." Next week, my term of service will come to an end -- but that story and that dream will continue."
• President's Radio Address to the Nation - January 10, 2009
  In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, "This week, I gave my official farewell speech to the men and women of America's Armed Forces in a ceremony at Fort Myer, Virginia. For the past eight years, I have had no higher honor than serving as the Commander-in-Chief of these brave patriots. And when Laura and I depart for Texas later this month, we will take with us many inspiring memories of the valor that we have seen these brave Americans display time and again."
• President's Radio Address to the Nation - January 2, 2009
  In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, "In the days ahead, the United States will stay closely engaged with our partners in the region, in Europe, and in the international community. My Administration will continue to keep the President-elect and his team informed. And America's objectives in the Middle East will remain clear: We seek security and peace for our allies, the free people of Israel. For the Palestinian people, we seek a peaceful and democratic Palestinian state that serves its citizens and respects its neighbors. For all in the region, we seek an end to terror. And we seek an enduring peace based on justice, dignity, and human rights for every person in every nation of the Middle East."
• President's Radio Address to the Nation - December 23, 2008
  In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "This week, millions of Americans gather with loved ones for Christmas. This is a season of hope and joy. And it is an occasion to remember a humble birth that has helped shape the world for more than two thousand years. One of the things that makes Christmas special is that it allows us to step back and take stock of what is truly meaningful in our lives. As years pass by, we often forget about the gifts and the parties, but we remember special moments with families and friends."
• President's Radio Address to the Nation - December 20, 2008
  In his weekly radio address President Bush said, "The actions I'm taking represent a step that we all wish were not necessary. But given the situation, it is the most effective and responsible way to address this challenge facing our Nation. By giving the auto companies a chance to restructure, we will shield the American people from a harsh economic blow at a vulnerable time. And we will give American workers an opportunity to show the world once again that they can meet challenges with ingenuity and determination, and emerge stronger than before."