Washington: Pakistan was in sharp focus at the Manmohan Singh-Barack Obama summit in Washington on Friday with the Indian Prime Minister telling the US President of the difficulties in dealing with its neighbour as terrorists "still remained focused in Pakistan".
Manmohan Singh and Barack Obama described the relationship between two nations as indispensable after an hour long meeting.
Issuing a statement after the meeting, Manmohan Singh said, "India needs US standing by our side. We have a relationship based on both principles and pragmatism."
The atmosphere was more like a farewell meeting. Both Barack Obama and Manmohan Singh thanked each other profusely for helping each other and continuing support.
Manmohan Singh said that he had always maintained an excellent relationship with the US and thanked the previous president George Bush and the current President Obama, who he said have made this possible.
Sending out a strong message to Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that the epicenter of terrorism was still in Pakistan and it was posing a major threat to India's stability.
President Obama once again mentioned the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and thanked India for engaging Pakistan in peace talks. He said that India's support was much needed to stabilise both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Describing India as a world power and not just a regional power, the US President said that America was interested in a strong India.
He said, "For a very long time, they (India and US) have invested in peace and prosperity, people-people ties, business, science, academics and other areas".
A smiling Obama then went on to say, "even Miss America (Nina Davuluri) is of Indian origin."
He emphasised more on the conflict in Syria, tension in Iran, Afghanistan's slow march towards peace and stability and sought India's support.
Referring to controversial civil nuclear deal between both the nations, Obama said that the deal between an American company and India was a good sign.
A visibly tired Manmohan Singh said, "Indo-US relationship is growing and expanding. We have explored new areas like defence, security, energy and environment."
He added that despite a slowdown American investment in India is growing. Obama returned the compliment by saying that India is growing at an amazing rate.
Obama stressed more on the relationship Manmohan Singh shared with him and his predecessor Bush. It was almost like a farewell speech. There was a feeling of personal warmth and affection during the meeting. Manmohan Singh's visit to the US is being described as his last visit as India's Prime Minister.
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