President Barack Obama today wound up his visit with the announcement of broad support to India's bid for permanent seat in the UN Security Council and offering to play "any role" in reducing Indo-Pak tensions, an euphemism for Kashmir which has been a sensitive issue here.

Indo-Pak tensions came up during talks Obama had with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who expresseed readiness to engage with Pakistan but made it clear that there can be no dialogue till Islamabad ends "terror-induced coercion".

During the 75-minute meeting in the Hyderabad House on packed day of events, Singh and Obama agreed on a number of new initiatives, including cooperation on internal security, removal of Indian companies from the US sanctions' list and setting up of a research centre in India in civil nuclear field.

Obama, who struck the right chord with the Indian political and business leaders, made the most-awaited announcement when he spoke to MPs backing India's quest for permanent membership of a "reformed" UNSC in the "years ahead".

The announcement, which was greeted by thunderous applause by the gathering, was tempered with his suggestions for what India should do to fulfill its increased responsibility that comes with increased power.

His message was clear that India should speak up on issues like human rights violations in Myanmar and implement sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme.

"Indeed, the just and sustainable international order that America seeks includes a United Nations that is efficient, effective, credible and legitimate.

"That is why I can say today in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed UN Security Council that includes India as a permanent member," he said in his speech in Parliament.

Recalling the terror attack on Parliament in 2001 and Mumbai attacks in 2008, Obama said the US would continue to insist to Pakistan's leaders that "terrorist safe heavens within their borders are unacceptable and that the terrorists behind the Mumbai attck should be brought to justice."

Earlier, addressing a joint press conference with Singh, Obama said Kashmir was a "longstanding dispute" between the two countries and that he believed both have interest in reducing tensions.

Emphasising that the US "cannot impose" solution to this problem, he said he has "indicated" to Singh that "we are happy to play any role the parties think is appropriate to reducing these tensions that is in interest of the region, the two countries and the United States."

Previous copy

India a world power, can work with US for world peace: Obama

US president Barack Obama today said India was now a world power and the two countries can work together on issues like counter-terrorism to promote peace, stability and prosperity for the whole world.

He said the has undertaken the trip to India to strengthen what is already an incredible friendship that would be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st Century, to build on commercial ties and strengthen cooperation in bilateral relations and international economy.

Obama was talking to reporters after a ceremonial reception given to him at the forecourt of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan formally kick starting his official visit.

"My hope is that during these discussions between myself and prime minister, myself and president and other members of the Indian delegation, we will be able to build on the commercial ties that we already have, to strengthen cooperation in bilateral relations and international economy.

He said that the two countries would be able to focus on issues like counter-terrorism in order to ensure that both the US and India are secure well into the future.

"Given that India is not simply an emerging power but now it is a world power, US and India can work together to promote international principles, rules, relations between nations they can promote peace, stability, prosperity not only for just two nations but for the whole world," he said.

Obama said that US and India as two largest democracies share "extraordinary" people-to-people contact and more importantly share the same set of core values.

He said during the visit he would be able to continue to build on the commercial ties that the two countries already have and to strengthen cooperation in bilateral relations and international economy.

He also referred to the contributions made by the millions of Indian Americans and said they have helped the Americans appreciate the Indian life.

Obama said he and his wife Michelle thank the entire people of India for the wonderful hospitality and reception given to them and also conveyed the warmest regards from the people of America.

Earlier, Obama and his wife Michelle arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in a Cadillac, escorted by horse-mounted personnel of the Presidential bodyguards amidst a 21 gun salute.

He was received by president Pratibha Patil, her husband Devisingh Shekhawat, prime minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur.

They were introduced to cabinet ministers, three services chiefs officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

Later, the national anthems of the US and India were played and Obama inspected a tri-service guard of honour.

The dignitaries also posed for photographs.

Soon after, he drove down to Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi to pay his respects to the Father of the Nation.

Related Report:

Obama, Singh begin restricted talks; delegations to join later

US president Barack Obama today began talks with prime minister Manmohan Singh on a wide range of bilateral and other issues.

After a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Obama drove to the Hyderabad House from Rajghat to begin restricted talks with the prime minister which would be followed by delegation-level talks.

Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, external affairs minister S M Krishna, national security adviser Shivshankar Menon and foreign secretary Nirupama Rao were present with the prime minister at the restricted meeting with Obama.

Later, other senior ministers including Sharad Pawar, A K Antony and other officials are expected to join the delegation-level talks.

The two leaders are expected to issue a joint statement covering a number of issues ranging from security, trade and economy, including cooperation in international fora like G-20.

India is expected to apprise Obama about its concerns on terror emanating from across the border and the need to convey to Pakistan to restrain terror groups operating from its soil.

The two sides are also expected to make a number of announcements on cooperation between them in various fields.

In the evening, Obama would address the MPs in the Central Hall of Parliament.