MUMBAI: The United States and India stand together against terror, visiting President Barack Obama said Saturday, after meeting the families of victims and survivors of the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Obama spent time with those affected by the attacks nearly two years ago at the luxury Taj Mahal Palace hotel, which was the focus of the wave of strikes on the city that left 166 people dead and more than 300 others injured.
“Mumbai is a symbol of the incredible energy and optimism that defines India in the 21st century,” the president said in a speech outside the hotel near the landmark Gateway of India monument.
“Ever since those horrific days two years ago, the Taj has been the symbol of the strength and the resilience of the Indian people.
“We visit here to send a very clear message: that in our determination to give our people security and prosperity, the US and India stand united.”
Obama, flanked by his wife, First Lady Michelle, earlier spent time at the permanent memorial to the 31 people who lost their lives at the Taj itself and signed the book of condolence.
“We will always remember the events of 26/11; not only the sorrow but also the courage and humanity that was displayed that day,” he wrote, using the shorthand for the attacks that began on the evening of November 26, 2008.
“The United States stands in solidarity with all of Mumbai and all of India in working to eradicate the scourge of terrorism, and we affirm our lasting friendship with the Indian people.”
The couple looked solemn as they read the names of those who died when the seafront hotel was stormed.
“We will never forget the awful images … the flames from this hotel that lit up the night sky,” Obama said.
“We will never forget how the world, including the American people, watched and grieved with all of India.”
But he added that the “resolve and resilience of the Indian people stood in stark contrast to the savagery of the terrorists”.
Both countries can look to the future with confidence that “history is on our side because those who target the innocent, they are for nothing but death and destruction,” he said.
“What we seek to build is to welcome people of different faiths and backgrounds and we offer our citizens a future of dignity and opportunity,” he added.
Obama said India and the United States were working closer than ever to stamp out extremism and bring those responsible to justice and looked forward to deepening counter-terrorism ties further on his visit.
India’s main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) immediately criticised Obama’s speech, saying he had “missed an opportunity” to condemn India’s neighbour and long-time rival Pakistan.
The only surviving gunman from the attacks said they were recruited, trained and equipped by the banned, Pakistan-based Islamist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) with support from elements in Pakistan’s military and intelligence service.
The BJP’s comments reflect concern in India about continued US support for Pakistan in the fight against extremism.
