NEW DELHI
U.S. President Barack Obama urged India to protect its diversity in his final address of a three-day visit on Tuesday.
Drawing comparisons between the cultural and religious diversity of the United States and India, Obama said: "That's what makes us world leaders, not just our economy or how many weapons we have."
"India will succeed so long as it is not splintered on religious lines," said Obama. "Every person has the right to practice their religion how they choose."
Obama referenced the Indian constitution, which officially protects the country's ethnic and religious minorities, including significant Muslim, Sikh, Christian and Buddhist communities. There are also more than 20 languages spoken across the country.
The current ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies however have been accused of trying to impose a Hindu nationalist agenda on the country.
Prime Minister Nadendra Modi was himself denied a U.S. visa in 2005 because of his alleged responsibility for inter-communal riots in the state of Gujarat, where he was chief minister, that killed up to 2,000 people in 2002.
In emphasising equality in Indian society, Obama also spoke about the rights of women, an issue which has been highlighted since the brutal gang rape of a woman on Delhi bus two years ago.
He said every woman should be able to walk on the streets "and be safe and be treated with the respect and dignity."
Obama arrived in India on Sunday for a three-day visit that included talks on nuclear and defence cooperation. He became the first U.S. president to witness India's annual republic day parade as the chief guest.
The U.S. president will fly to Saudi Arabia, where he will meet the country's new King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who replaced his brother King Abdullah after his death on Friday.
