Obama says proud to visit India in November

US President Barack Obama has said he is proud to visit India as he announced his travel plans to the country in early November.

As of now his travel dates to India has been tentatively scheduled from November 7 to November 10, a senior administration official said.

"During his State Visit, the Prime Minister graciously invited me and my family to visit India this year, and I happily accepted. And as I confirmed to him when we spoke last week, I'm delighted to announce tonight that I plan to visit India in early November," he said.

"So I look forward to advancing our partnership, to experiencing all that India and its people and its incredible ancient culture have to offer," Obama said at a reception hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in honour of External Affairs Minister, S M Krishna, at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department.

A senior Administration official later said the dates of his travel to India have been fixed from November 7 to 10. It is expected to be announced closer to the visit. The First Lady would also travel with Obama to India.

Looking forward to his visit to India, Obama quoted from an eminent Europe scholar who traveled to India more than a century ago, who said, "Whatever sphere of the human mind you may select for your special study, whether it be language or religion or mythology or philosophy, whether it be law or customs, primitive art, or science, you have to go to India, because," he said, "some of the most valuable and instructive material of the history of man are treasured up in India, and India only."

Obama said: "So when it comes to the sphere of our work, building a future of greater prosperity, opportunity and security for our people, there is no doubt; I have to go India. But even more, I am proud to go to India, and I look forward to the history that we will make together, progress that will be treasured not just by this generation but by generations to come."

Earlier in his remarks, Krishna said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, recalls very warmly his meeting with US President at the successful Nuclear Security Summit in April 2010. "He and over one billion citizens of India look forward to welcoming you and your family later this year," the External Affairs Minister said.

Looking forward to Obama's visit to India in early November, Krishna said: "A very warm and heartfelt welcome awaits you and the family."