Safe havens in Pakistan not acceptable, Mumbai attackers must face justice: Barack Obama

Just days before coming to India, US President Barack Obama has laid down the agenda for talk. In an interview to a magazine, Obama hailed India as a natural partner and praised the economic vision of Indian PM Narendra Modi. But most importantly without mincing any word, he said that Pakistan has to disband safe haven for terrorists.

Speaking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi , Obama said he believes that the "stars are aligned to finally realise the vision I outlined in Parliament- India and America as true global partners."

He further said, "He(Modi) has a clear vision of the big things he wants India to achieve, and I've been impressed with his energy and his readiness to address many of the barriers that have stood in the way of greater economic growth. In particular, I appreciate the Prime Minister's eagerness to take the India-US partnership to the next level."

Obama also called India and US as natural partners. Manmohan Singh, he says, was a close partner, but with Modi he is looking at being true global partners. 

Obama mentioned that both India and America are equally affected and concerned about terrorism spreading across the world. He said that Indians and Americans, both were killed in the 26/11 attacks and the perpetrators must be punished. 

He said, "I've made it clear that even as the United States works with Pakistan to meet the threat of terrorism, safe havens within Pakistan are not acceptable and that those behind the Mumbai terrorist attack must face justice. Like people around the world, Indians and Americans were horrified at the senseless slaughter of so many students and teachers at the school in Peshawar, which was a painful reminder that terrorists threaten us all."

The country is gearing up to welcome US President Barack Obama's visit this Republic Day. The government is taking efforts to clean Delhi roads and areas around Taj Mahal for the US President's visit to the country this weekend. The roads are being scrubbed clean, tonnes and tonnes of garbage has been pulled out of river Yamuna, cows, buffaloes and dogs won't be roaming on the streets and street vendors have been cleared off the roads.  Read the story here: A spic and span Agra awaits the Obamas, India clears cows, dogs and dust

Commenting on the relations between the two major democracies in the world, he said, "In terms of the India-US relationship, I think there are specific areas where we can concentrate our efforts. The focus in India and US is to creating opportunities for everyone-women and children included. We can work together to reduce the barriers to trade, investment, deepen our security cooperation including maritime security in the Asia Pacific. We can work together to support PM Modi's efforts to uplift Indian communities with cleaner air, more water, and more electricity, including under our civil nuclear agreement."

Narendra Modi and US has shared a chequered past. Sceptics still exist, who are wary of the possible fallout of Modi's victory. But clearly US President is not one of them. He said, "Prime Minister Modi's historic election clearly reflects the desire of many Indians for economic growth that is inclusive, good government that serves citizens, and education that delivers the skills Indians seek. And his remarkable life story-from tea-seller to prime minister-is a reflection of the determination of the Indian people to succeed." he says.