Washington, March 4:

President George W Bush says he feels the pain of American workers who have lost their jobs to a cheaper workforce overseas. But he believes that education — not trade protectionism — is the answer to deal with the increasing globalised world.

Bush discussed the politically sensitive issue in New Delhi yesterday, wrapping up a three-day long stay in India.

The country’s rapid growth has created anxiety among Americans, especially as they have seen call centre jobs, back-office administrative work, software programming and other white collar jobs move there.

“It’s painful for those who lose jobs,” Bush said, “But the fundamental question is, how does a government or society react to that. And it’s basically one of two ways. One is to say, losing jobs is painful, therefore, let’s throw up protectionist walls. And the other is to say, losing jobs is painful, so let’s make sure people are educated so they can find — fill the jobs of the 21st century,” he said.

Last year, 11,375 US workers were laid off beca-use their jobs were moved overseas, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics.