Obama's townhall speech: top 10 quotes

From religious freedom to riding motorcycles, the speech had it all

While US President Barack Obama's townhall address at Siri Fort highlighted important issues like religious freedom, women empowerment and education, it was not without humour and personal anecdotes. From Shakrukh Khan to the secret service not allowing him to ride motorcycles, here is a  highlight of top quotes by the US President:

1) As India pursues more trade and investment, we want to be the first in line. We want to help India build bullet trains and smart cities.

2) India and the US are natural partners, we can be the 'Best' partners.

3) I propose a new United Nations Security Council with India as a permanent member

4) Nations are most successful when their women are successful. I am married to a strong, talented woman who is not afraid to speak her mind when she thinks I am wrong. If nations want to succeed, they can not simply ignore the talent of almost half their people. One of the wonderful things that I saw in India was the all-women contingent at the Republic Day parade, including the officer who led the Guard of Honour for me when I arrived.

5) Every person has the right to practice any faith or none as he chooses, without the fear of prosecution. Our nations will be strongest when we see all as equal. Sometimes I have been discriminated against on the basis of the colour of my skin. India will succeed so long as it isn't splintered along the lines of religion.

My grandfather was a cook in British Army in Kenya, when we were born, people like us still couldn't vote in many parts. It is a matter of pride to live in countries where a grandson of a cook can become President and the son of a tea-seller can become PM.

6) Michelle and I won't be where we are today without education. In India, most people are under 35 years. We want to increase collaboration between Indian and American universities. We want more Americans to come to India.

7) We should together take up the challenge of global warming and climate change. If countries that are growing rapidly like India don't embrace clean energy, we can't tackle climate change.
 

8) The Secret Service won't let me ride a motorcycle, especially not standing on my head: Obama in reference to BSF daredevils at the Republic Day Parade.

9) Obama tries Shahrukh Khan's line from DDLJ: 'Senorita, bade bade deshon mein...'

10) In my last visit we danced with some children and celebrated the festival of lights. I apologise for not being able to schedule a dance this time. Michelle is a better dancer than I am. Sometimes this hurts my feelings.

President Obama concluded by proudly admitting that while he is the first US President to visit India twice, he will definitely not be the last due to the importance of India to the US on the world stage.