The 65-year-old Mexican-American, who is on his maiden trip to India, said that Indian food has pleased his taste buds a lot.
"As a child, I had studied in History and read that Christopher Columbus wanted to discover India because he was fascinated by the spices but ended up in America," Santana said.
"When I landed here and I saw the people and tasted the food, I realised why Columbus was so eager to come to this wonderful country. India has the best flavours for the tongue. I feel there should be a channel back home where they would teach preparing Indian food the whole day," he added.
Santana will headlining International Act at F1 Rocks with Vladivar to be held in Greater Noida tomorrow.
"I am honoured to be here. I want to connect with the people here with my music. I believe music has healing powers. My message is to remind people music is not only for dancing and be used as something to take you to euphoric trance, it is much more than that.
"Music should teach one to live in peace and harmony and be more responsible," said the 10 time Grammy-winner as he was presented with a metal statue of Lord Vishnu.
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The music supremo, who has collaborated with names like Mike Bloomfield, Al Kooper, Willie Nelson, said that collaborative music can only happen when two people complement each other.
"I believe that collaborations should only happen between two people who complement each other. I cannot go ahead and collaborate with Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber. I have always maintained that. Music is not a competition. It is harmony. It is not Olympics where you have to outdo each other," he said.
When asked about his plans to work with an Indian musician, he said, "I wanted to collaborate with late sarod player Ali Akbar Khan. It almost happened but in the end it did not. I am open to collaborate with any male or female Indian artiste as long as they make music from their heart and mind." (MORE)