India's Rising Middle Class Competing with U.S.: Obama

Obama stressed that U.S. isolationism is not an option. "It is absolutely true that in the 21st century, American isolationism is not an option. If nuclear materials are not secure, that could pose a danger in American cities," he said.

"As the Syrian civil war spills across borders, the capacity of battle-hardened groups to come after us increases. Regional aggression that goes unchecked — in southern Ukraine, the South China Sea, or anywhere else in the world — will ultimately impact our allies, and could draw in our military.

"Beyond these narrow rationales, I believe we have a real stake — an abiding self-interest — in making sure our children grows up in a world where schoolgirls are not kidnapped; where individuals aren't slaughtered because of tribe or faith or political beliefs.

"I believe that a world of greater freedom and tolerance is not only a moral imperative — it also helps keep us safe," Obama said.