NEW DELHI: US President Barack Obama urged India and Pakistan to talk to resolve their differences Sunday as he stressed the need for peace between the neighbors, who are vital for his plans in Afghanistan. Obama insisted New Delhi had the most to gain from a stable Pakistan, while urging Islamabad to do more to address extremism. “My hope is that, over time, trust develops between the two countries, that dialogue begins perhaps on less controversial issues building up to more controversial issues,” he said on the second day of a three-day trip to India. “I am absolutely convinced that the country that has the biggest stake in Pakistan is India,” he told students at the prestigious St. Xavier's College in south Mumbai. “If Pakistan is stable and prosperous, that's best for India,” he added. He said Islamabad was making progress against what he called the “cancer” of extremism but not quickly enough. “Progress is not as quick as we would like,” he added. Earlier, Obama opened the second day of his visit by dancing with his wife Michelle and local schoolchildren at celebrations for a festival. In mid-afternoon, he flew to the Indian capital, where he was greeted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the official leg of his trip. Obama has frequently praised Singh as a leading global statesman, and their mutual regard appeared evident in the smiles and warmth of the often inscrutable Indian premier. Talks between the two Monday will look to build on a small but growing trade relationship, with Obama looking for export opportunities, as well as engagement from India politically in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Among other things, Singh is likely to press Obama for a more concrete commitment to support India's quest for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council. – Agence France
