let me warmly welcome our indian guests, particularly minister krishna.t is indeed an honor to host this inaugural strategic dialogue between india and the united states. this makes good on plans that minister krishna and i announced in india last summer. it advances the vision of partnership articulated by president obama and prime minister singh. i know president obama is looking forward to joining us later today and underscoring his personal commitment to strengthening the u.s.-indian relationship. india is an indispensable partner and a trusted friend. we believe that a rising india is good for the united states and good for the world. our two nations, great democracies with dynamic and interconnected economies and into progress understand that our fortunes in this new century are increasingly linked. our people are more connected today than ever before and weak face complex local challenges that will be difficult to solve without the united states and india working together. we also face opportunities that can only be seized by tapping the talents an