NEW DELHI: U.S. President Barack Obama said the time is opportune to realise his vision for India and U.S. as "true global partners".
"Now, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi's election and his commitment to a new chapter in the relationship between our countries gives us an opportunity to further energise our partnership," Obama said in an interview to India Today.
"I'd like to think that the stars are aligned to finally realise the vision I outlined in (the Indian) parliament (during last visit) - India and America as true global partners. That's why I accepted the generous invitation to become the first U.S. president to attend Republic Day as the chief guest," he added.
Obama had addressed the joint session of parliament during his last visit to New Delhi in November 2010.
Obama, who arrives here Jan 25 on a three-day visit during which he will be the chief guest at the Republic Day Parade, said he was looking forward to his meetings with "President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Modi and the Indian people in celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Indian Constitution".
Describing his India visit as "an opportunity to work with Modi to make concrete progress", Obama hoped to embark on a new era in the history of bilateralism between the two countries.
He also said he had a strong relationship with former prime minister Manmohan Singh, whom he treated as his "close partner". "I am also proud to be the first U.S. president to visit India twice, and that I'll be joined again by my wife Michelle," he added.
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