Obama talks to PM, says Indo-US ties 'very important'

New Delhi, Nov. 13, 2008
India,Govt

US President-elect Barack Obama telephoned Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday and said the US-India strategic relationship is a "very important partnership".

He also said that the administration wants to work together with India on all important global issues.

The call was placed on Wednesday morning as earlier attempts to establish contact between the two sides failed to materialise because the Prime Minister was travelling abroad.

Singh congratulated Obama on his historic victory and said his success would be an inspiration for the oppressed people all over the world, according to PMO sources.

The Prime Minister said that the relationship between India and the US was "very good" but "we should not be satisfied with the status quo".

Singh conveyed his best wishes for the success of the Obama administration in meeting challenges that face the world.

The Prime Minister also invited Obama and his wife Mitchelle to visit India, the sources said.

Obama praised Singh's contribution to the progress of India as Finance Minister earlier and the Prime Minister now. (KR/12.11)