US President Barack Obama underlined that disputes between India and Pakistan can only be resolved by the two countries themselves.

Welcoming the Indo-Pak dialogue process, he said, it is not the place of any nation, including the United States, to try to impose solutions from the outside. US President said, nations must meet their responsibilities and world bodies have a profound interest in a Pakistan that is stable, prosperous and democratic.

Obama told PTI that President Zardari's visit to India was encouraging. Increased trade and people-to-people contacts between Indians and Pakistanis can lead to greater prosperity and understanding on both sides.

Describing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as his friend and partner with whom he has worked closely, Obama said he valued the insights of the Indian leader at various international fora including the recent G20 meeting in Mexico.

Noting that India prohibited foreign investment in too many sectors such as retail, US President Barack Obama cited concerns over deteriorating investment climate there to endorse another wave of economic reforms.

Sounding positive about Indian economy, which continues to grow at an impressive rate, he said that to some extent, India's slower growth is a reflection of the larger slow down in the global economy.

Regarding the future of Afghanistan and India's role in it, the US President said India's generous contributions

have helped India to train Afghan police, promote development and improve the lives of the Afghan people.

He said that India was the first nation to forge a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Afghanistan, and India's civil service can be a model as Afghans strengthen their own governance and institutions.