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 Home > News & Policies > March 2006

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 2, 2006

President Meets with Religious Leaders in New Delhi, India
Maurya Sheraton and Towers
New Delhi, India

     Fact sheet President's Visit to India and Pakistan

4:23 P.M. Local

THE PRESIDENT: We have just had a -- a very important discussion about the role of religion, not only in India, but the role that religion can play in helping the world become a more peaceful place. I want to thank the leaders here around the table. Leaders from different faiths have joined us to share with -- their thoughts with me.

President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are joined by Ambassador David Mulford during a meeting with religious leaders Thursday, March 2, 2006, at the Maurya Sheraton Hotel and Towers in New Delhi.  White House photo by Eric Draper You know, one of the things that struck me during the conversation is, in India, is -- it's a country that recognizes the importance of religion and welcomes interfaith dialogue; understands the importance of faith, and understands the importance of people of faith, discussing thoughts and views that are -- that are deep in their hearts.

And we've had a -- just a -- you know, India is an amazing country. Just look around the table and you'll see different religions represented. But everybody around the table also was so proud to be in India. In other words, their nationalism was equally important then, as their religion.

We thank the --

MR. GOSWAMI: -- here to the world.

THE PRESIDENT: Well, that's right. That's right. Thank you. Anyway, I just appreciate you all coming. Thank you for your kind words, and like you, I hope for peace, and like you, I'm proud to be here in India. It's a fantastic country.

Thank you.

END 4:25 P.M. Local


President George W. Bush smiles as he meets with religious leaders of India Thursday, March 2, 2006, in New Delhi.  White House photo by Eric Draper