New Delhi, Oct 31: Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, former president of the United States, George W Bush spoke about the respect he has for India apart from discussing issues such as the nuclear deal, terrorism and Afghanistan war.

Kick starting the second session of the summit on Saturday, Oct 31, Bush said that the 'historic' nuclear deal signed by US and India during his reign was India"s passport to world and that it will help India gain its rightful place in the world.

Adding that the deal will help India get energy without causing any pollution, Bush said that the accord will empower the country's economy immensely.

While speaking about terrorism, Bush likened the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to the 9/11 attacks and said that the two countries share the same fight against terrorism and the extremists.Emphasising on the importance of winning the war in Afghanistan, Bush said, "If the Taliban, al Qaeda and extremists are allowed to take over Afghanistan, they would have a safe haven again."

Even though he started off the speech on a lighter note saying that he was waiting to come to India to say 'namaste', the controversial leader covered all topics and issues bothering or in some way affecting the world in his very brief speech.

OneIndia News