Bush: India, U.S. Have Never Been Closer

President Bush says India and the United States have never been closer than they are now.

In a television address to the Indian people from a historic fort known as "Purana Qila" in New Delhi, Mr. Bush said rivalries of the Cold War kept the two democracies separate for decades. But now, he said, the two together can transform the world.

He said India has the responsibility of opening up to more foreign investment and lowering tariffs for U.S. agricultural and other products.

On terrorism, he said India and the United States are allies in fighting terrorism. He said both countries love freedom and together they will fight against terrorism. He said the two global leaders will try to change the conditions that give rise to terrorists.

Earlier, the U.S. president emphasized that message during a conversation with young entrepreneurs at a business school in India's premier technology city of Hyderabad. He said Washington plans to open a consulate in Hyderabad.

President Says U.S.-India Talks Will Strenghten both Countries

Mr. Bush said a landmark nuclear deal finalized during talks Thursday with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will strengthen the security and economy of both countries.

As Mr. Bush spoke, thousands of Muslims marched through the streets of Hyderabad to protest the U.S. leader's visit. Protesters carried posters of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and burned an effigy of the U.S. president. At least four people were injured in clashes with police.

In the northern city of Lucknow, the protests turned into a Hindu-Muslim clash that left one person dead and an unknown number injured.

Mr. Bush will meet with top officials in neighboring Pakistan on Saturday.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.