Home > Embassy News > Ambassador Ms. Meera Shankar presented her Credentials to U. S. President Mr. Barack H. Obama
Ambassador Ms. Meera Shankar presented her Credentials to U. S. President Mr. Barack H. Obama
May 21, 2009
Washington, DC
May 21, 2009
Ambassador of India to the United States, H.E. Ms. Meera Shankar presented her Credentials yesterday [Wednesday, May 20, 2009] to the President of the United States of America, H.E. Mr. Barack H. Obama at the Oval office of the White House.
Ambassador Shankar while conveying greetings from the President and Prime Minister of India to President Obama and his spouse, Michelle Obama, underlined the commitment to democracy and the cherished values of individual liberty, rule of law, respect for diversity and pluralism, shared by India and the United States and reiterated the desire of the Government of India to further strengthen the multi-faceted bilateral relations between the two countries, that have recently witnessed a remarkable transformation.
President Obama warmly welcomed the Ambassador to Washington DC and said that the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy are natural partners. He highlighted the broad range of strategic interests and fundamental democratic values shared by the two countries.
The President said that the process of strengthening of ties between India and United States has been sustained through two administrations of two different parties in each of their countries and while conveying his felicitations on the recent elections in India, expressed the hope that the relationship will continue to expand as his Administration works with the new government in India. He referred to Dr. Manmohan Singh as a very wise leader whom he respected.
The President described the India-US Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement as a landmark achievement for both the countries. He expressed the desire to further deepen and strengthen the relationship between the two countries and looked forward to building on the close strategic partnership that will address the challenges of the 21st century.
President Obama quoted Mahatma Gandhi’s words “You must be the change you want to see in the world”, and expressed belief that the United States and India can deliver this change. President stated that he was looking forward to visiting India at an early date.
