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U.S., India Reach Deal On Nuclear Cooperation
Bush, who arrived in India late Wednesday, was greeted Thursday by various branches of the Indian military, including cavalry on horseback, at a sandstone government palace. After Bush reviewed the troops, he told reporters, "I have been received in many capitals around the world, but I have never seen a reception as well-organized or as grand."
Bush and first lady Laura Bush paid tribute to India's independence leader, Mohandas K. Gandhi, tossing flower petals at the site where he was cremated in 1948. The president, who is known for short trips with scant sightseeing time, was teased at lunch by Singh for claiming that his scheduler would not let him visit the Taj Mahal.
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Bush's South Asia Tour President Bush visits Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. |
In a lunchtime toast, Singh told Laura Bush: "I'm truly sorry that the president is not taking you to Taj Mahal this time. I hope he will be more chivalrous the next time you are here." Bush laughed and promised he would visit the 350-year-old wonder next time. Bush also met with religious leaders.
Bush and Singh also made progress on cementing closer economic ties, including an informal commitment to try to double bilateral trade every three years. But the nuclear deal dominated the day. Indian television provided hours of coverage, with commentators talking about a new era of U.S.-India relations.
Security in New Delhi was heavy as socialist and communist politicians led thousands of people in protesting Bush's visit and held a rally outside Parliament that disrupted all activity within.
"If the government succumbs to the U.S. pressure on the nuclear deal, they have to face consequences," said Sitaram Yechury, a member of Parliament from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), according to the Press Trust of India news agency. He said the left would "protest and oppose any erosion of Indian interest."
Armed policemen stood on alert and helicopters hovered overhead during the anti-Bush protests.
"He wants to control the world, and our government is willing to support this. We are here to oppose this American neo-colonialism," said Shabeg Singh, 64, a resident of Punjab province who carried a red communist flag. Similar large protests were held in other cities, including Calcutta and Bombay, also known as Mumbai.
Linzer reported from New York. Special correspondent Muneeza Naqvi in New Delhi contributed to this report.
