NEW DELHI: In an interview to the India Today magazine, US President Barack Obama said US had been unrelenting in its fight against terror — a fight in which Indians and Americans were united. Referring to the the 9/11 attack in New York and the 26/11 attack in Mumbai, Obama said the two nations stood together in defence of their security and way of life.

He went on to add, "I've made it clear that even as the United States works with Pakistan to meet the threat of terrorism, safe havens within Pakistan are not acceptable and that those behind the Mumbai terrorist attack must face justice."

India-US ties based on mutual respect: Obama (IANS)

Obama also said a good India-US relationship has to be based on mutual respect.

"On the most basic level, a good India-US relationship has to be based on the same principles as our successful partnerships with our other close partners and friends around the world," Obama said in the interview to India Today magazine.

"That includes mutual respect, where even as we acknowledge our different histories and traditions, we value the strengths that we each bring to our relationship," he said.

He said: "It includes recognizing our mutual interests that both our countries will be more secure, and our people will have more jobs and opportunities, when we are working together."

'Surprised' Obama 'honoured' by Republic Day invite: US

Obama wants to clinch climate change deal

The US president said while it was true that progress has not always come as fast as both sides would have liked, "we have succeeded in deepening the US-India relationship across the board".

"In the last few years, we have increased trade between our two countries by about 60 percent, creating more jobs for Indians and Americans," said, adding the militaries of the two countries are conducting more exercises together," he said.

READ ALSO: Nuclear deal stuck on US demand ahead of Obama visit

India, US true global partners: Obama (IANS)

Obama said the time is opportune to realise his vision for India and US as "true global partners".

"Now, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi's election and his commitment to a new chapter in the relationship between our countries gives us an opportunity to further energise our partnership," Obama said in the interview.

"I'd like to think that the stars are aligned to finally realise the vision I outlined in (the Indian) parliament (during last visit) - India and America as true global partners. That's why I accepted the generous invitation to become the first US president to attend Republic Day as the chief guest," he added.

Obama had addressed the joint session of Parliament during his last visit to New Delhi in November 2010.

Obama, who arrives here on January 25 on a three-day visit during which he will be the chief guest at the Republic Day Parade, said he was looking forward to his meetings with "President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Modi and the Indian people in celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Indian Constitution".

READ ALSO: US President Barack Obama's India's itinerary

Describing his India visit as "an opportunity to work with Modi to make concrete progress", Obama hoped to embark on a new era in the history of bilateralism between the two countries.

He also said he had a strong relationship with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, whom he treated as his "close partner".

"I am also proud to be the first US president to visit India twice, and that I'll be joined again by my wife Michelle," he added.

(Inputs from IANS)