The United States has sought to strengthen bilateral relations between New Delhi and Washington in various sectors. Calling India a world power the visiting US President Barack Obama said that 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. Obama said, he will work on increasing the existing commercial ties and strengthen cooperation in bilateral relations and international economy. He asserted 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. Obama was talking to newsmen after ceremonial reception at the forecourts of the Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. Obama said that US and India as two largest democracies which share extraordinary people-to-people contact and more importantly share the same set of core values. 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. Later, he paid homage to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Ganhdi at Rajghat. Obama will also address the joint session of parliament later in the day. The President Mrs. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil will host a banquet in the honour of the visiting dignitory.