US President Barack Obama's full speech at a Delhi townhall

U.S.–India Partnership

Barack Obama said the United States and India could become defining partners of the century, grounded in shared democratic values, people-to-people ties, and a common commitment to human dignity. He praised India’s diversity, economic progress, and young population, and said closer cooperation could benefit both countries and contribute to a safer, more just world.

Areas for Partnership

• Growth and opportunity: Support agriculture, access to banking, infrastructure, trade, investment, advanced technology, and education. Obama said progress on the civil nuclear agreement could expand reliable electricity and cleaner energy.
• Climate and health: Promote solar and wind power, cleaner transport, clean water, and stronger efforts against disease. He stressed that India would be especially affected by climate change and urged both countries to act urgently.
• Security and global affairs: Deepen defense cooperation, support peaceful resolution of disputes and freedom of navigation in the Asia-Pacific, and back India for a permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council. Obama also called for cooperation against terrorism, human trafficking, and modern slavery.
• Equality and pluralism: Respect for everyone’s dignity, he argued, makes societies stronger. He emphasized women’s education, safety, and equal opportunity, and warned against religious and sectarian division, saying India’s unity and freedom of religion were essential to its success.
• Young people: Obama called youth central to India’s future and supported more educational exchanges, university links, skills training, and entrepreneurship. He shared the story of Vishal, a teenager from a working family who hoped to join the Indian armed forces, as an example of talent deserving opportunity.

Challenges and Closing Remarks

Obama acknowledged that both countries face poverty and inequality, but said their democratic institutions and ideals offer ways to address those challenges. He closed by expressing confidence in India’s future and in the friendship and partnership between India and the United States.

Presenter/contributor: Barack Obama. The name of the person who introduced him is unclear in the subtitles.