"One of the reasons that I wanted to come to the ISB is that, as I understand it, it is a Centre of Excellence in education. It is a new school using innovative tools necessary to succeed," said President Bush on his visit to the ISB on March 3, 2006. "I am honoured to be at the ISB," he added.

President Bush was received by Rajat Gupta, Chairman of the ISB (Past Managing Director of McKinsey and Senior Partner Worlwide) and Professor M Rammohan Rao, Dean, ISB. They briefed the President about the ISB in a private discussion with him. Also present on the occasion to greet the President were Rajesh Mani and Ruchi Bansal both students of the ISB from the Class of 2006. The President then addressed a gathering of the entire ISB community of faculty, staff, and students at the Atrium of the ISB's Academic Building. President Bush fielded questions, and spoke to the gathering in a relaxed manner.

Following are some of the comments the President made during his visit.
On India:
"Yesterday, I had the honour of standing on the stage with your Prime Minister talking about a new relationship between the US and India. I am excited about our strategic partnership. I'm equally excited about the future of India."

"It is in the interest of the United States to be friends with India, it is in the interest of the United States to work for a free and fair trade with India.

"It is in the interest of the United States that an entrepreneurial class grow in this great country. It is in the interest of India that an entrepreneurial class grow in this country so that people can realize their dreams and find good jobs."

"I said something interesting, at least I thought it was interesting, otherwise I wouldn't have said it, in a speech I gave in Washington, I think that it's interesting that India's middle class is 300 million large - as large as the entire United States."

"India is a great democracy which is capable of having people of different religions live side by side in peace and harmony. It is a wonderful opportunity to trade (with India)." "One of the things that you can judge a country by is the vitality of the youth and one of the  reasons I wanted to come to ISB because I understand it is a Centre of Excellence in education."