Thank you, Mr. President for a thought provoking address. Your remarks about democracy evoke many personal memories. It was more than 45 years ago that I first entered this Parliament as a member of Lok Sabha. I sat in the opposition benches and saw the precepts and conventions of our great democracy being established under the guidance of our founding fathers.

The traditions that our founding fathers established have served us well in these 50years. As we have matured, so has our democracy. India is the oldest civilization in the world, but a young nation-state. But democracy, rule of law, pluralism and accommodation of the other point of view, have struck such firm roots as to become unshakable. As a democracy, we know that we have to evolve continuously to keep our democratic practices responsible to the changing times. In fact, this too is rooted in Indian traditions.

For centuries, our civilization has drawn strength from a pluralism that included adaptability and receptivity to new thinking, new concepts, new influences. Certain basic tenets, however, which are the core of the Indian ethos, remained intact through this process.

Our freedom struggle was hinged on a robust national awakening and on democratic debate with the widest possible participation of our people. Our experience with colonialism rekindled even more forcefully our attachment to independence of judgment and autonomy of action, our opposition to systems and regimes that seek to perpetuate discrimination and inequality.

For half a century, India has been consistent in the pursuit of international peace and legitimate security for all through global disarmament. We still remain committed to a world free of nuclear weapons and believe that this is the way to enhance global security. We, however, find that our environment continues to witness proliferation of nuclear weapons and missiles. Such proliferation continues with impunity.

Our decision to maintain a minimum credible nuclear deterrent is prompted by a realistic assessment of our security compulsions even as we continue our traditional policies of acting with restraint and responsibility. Our defense posture has always been defensive in nature.

We are aware of the importance that you attach, Mr. President, to the subject of non-proliferation. We believe that as democracies, we have to take all steps on the basis of wide consultation and cooperation.

India has always tried to develop its relations with its neighbors in an atmosphere of mutual trust and on the basis of mutually advantageous initiatives. Recent developments have unfortunately eroded that relationship of trust with one of them.

Our approach is realistic. We believe that mature nation states must seek durable and pragmatic solutions to differences only through peaceful, bilateral dialogue. Aggressive use of force is no longer an acceptable language in international relations.

Mr. President, as our dialogue intensifies, India and the United States must move beyond a mere intersection of interests to a focusing of our vision. The statement that we signed yesterday is the first step in this direction. There is a vivid, vibrant example of the kind of relationship that should exist between us. Hundreds of thousands of Indians are today in the United States. Your country has given them the opportunity to realize their potential. In turn, they are contributing to progress in every sphere. That partnership is not contingent upon governments. It is a day-to-day, working relationship, an inter-being. It is one that enables both sides to benefit.

It is also satisfying that our countries have started cooperation to address another vital aspect of international security. The problem of terrorism with its link to ideologies of extremism and funding through illegal trade in narcotics is one of the biggest challenges facing nation-states today. We need to consider whether we are doing enough to strike at the root of this menace, which breeds on hatred and violence and is the very anti-thesis of democracy.

Mr. President, your visit marks the beginning of a new voyage in the new century by two countries which have all the potential to become natural allies. In this context, we can do no better than to recall to ourselves the stirring words of the great American poet, Walt Whitman. Noting that a "Passage to India" is always "Passage to more than India", Whitman, in his long and admiring poem on India, called upon our two peoples to:

Mr. William Jefferson Clinton, I conclude by extending, on behalf of the people of India, my best wishes to you and to the people of your great country. I do hope your visit to India will be a memorable one.

Thank you.