India is indispensable to the US: Obama

Washington: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was on Tuesday given a rousing welcome at the White House where he was received by President Barack Obama before they sat down for bilateral talks during which the two countries are expected to take their strategic ties to a new level.

Obama and First Lady Michelle personally welcomed Singh, the first State guest of the Obama Administration, and his wife Gursharan Kaur at the White House.

Chilly, damp weather caused the White House to move the ceremony indoors, where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Obama stood before photographers and television cameras in the East Room as a Marine band played the national anthems of both countries. (Read: Obama-PM dinner: Big-ticket event)

Singh's visit is the first state visit hosted by the administration, the highest honor extended to a foreign dignitary, and the two would discuss a wide range of bilateral
issues and the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan during their one-on-one meeting. (Read: Capital Culture: 60 years of US meals for India)

Speaking at the White House, Obama said: "India is indispensable to the US and the Indian Prime Minister's  visit reflects abiding friendship between the two countries."

"Ours is a story of two great economic marvels. India is a leader in Asia and around the world and the two nations are dedicated to liberty, equality".

Stating that India and US are bound together by values of democracy Manmohan Singh said, "We seek to broaden and deepen our strategic partnership with US."

Manmohan also spoke on the issue of terrorism and nuclear weapons.

"India and US should cooperate in challenges of combating terrorism. The two nations also need to cooperate for a world free of nuclear weapons," said the PM. (Read: Full text of PM Dr Manmohan Singh's speech)

Though the two leaders met in April on sidelines of the G-20 Summit in London and briefly at Pittsburgh's G-20 Summit, this would be for the first time they would discuss
bilateral issues and possibilities of cooperation on key global issues like climate change.

The two leaders are understood to have exchanged views on a range of issues, including terrorism, situation in the region, climate change, economic and business ties, agriculture and education.

A host of Indian leaders have dined at the majestic White House in the past, but the state dinner for Manmohan Singh has received an unprecedented pre-event media coverage.

American media has gone all-out to focus on it from all angles, speculating about the menu, the guest list and highlighting that President Barack Obama's gesture marks
India's growing stature.

A total of 320 guests have been invited to the 'black tie' event, ABC reported. (With inputs from agencies)