Obama praises ‘city of dreams’ Mumbai

MUMBAI - Describing Mumbai as a city of dreams and praising Mumbaikars, including those living in the “winding alleys of Dharavi”, for their optimism and determination, US President Barack Obama Saturday said it was these qualities that would bring India and the US closer.

Obama, addressing the US-India Business Council and Entrepreneur summit in Mumbai Saturday evening, said he is thrilled to be in India.

“Despite all the sweeping changes of the last few decades - from the reform of the licensing raj to the technological revolutions that continue to shape our global economy - it has been people who have driven our progress,” he said.

“It is individual men and women like you who put their shoulder to the wheel of history and push… all the Mumbaikars who get up every day in this city of dreams to forge a better life for their children - from the boardrooms of world-class Indian companies to the shops in the winding alleys of Dharavi.”

Obama said that it is this spirit of optimism and determination that has driven people since before there were nations, adding: “It is the same spirit that will drive our future. And that’s why I am thrilled to be in India and with you here today. And that’s why I am confident that we can and will forge new economic partnerships and deliver the jobs and broad-based growth that our peoples so richly deserve.”

“I am absolutely certain that the relationship between the United States and India is going to be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century,” he added.

Obama arrived here Saturday on a four-day visit. He leaves for New Delhi Sunday afternoon.