‘Your extraordinary journey to White House will inspire people’

“The people of India and the United States are bound by their shared commitment to freedom, justice, pluralism, individual rights and democracy. These ideals provide a solid bedrock for friendship and strategic partnership between our two nations. We have strong ties between our peoples and I look forward to working with you to realise the enormous potential for cooperation that exists between India and the United States.”

He said that the two countries were working together to address global issues and challenges will be an important factor for world peace, stability and progress. The Prime Minister also extended an invitation to Obama. “I hope you will find an opportunity to visit India soon. A warm welcome awaits you”.

President Pratibha Patil called it a “historic mandate”. Congratulating Obama she said: “The people of India, who have closely followed the US election process with unprecedented interest, see your election as a historic mandate of the people of the United States of America.” “Our Governments have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations based on our common traditions of democracy, rule of law and the affinities between our pluralistic, secular, multi-cultural and open societies,” she said.

She said that India and the US should build on the strong partnership that has been developed in recent years and strengthen bilateral cooperation to the mutual benefit of “our peoples — even as we work together to face the unprecedented common challenges at the global level relating to the changing climate, threats from the dark forces of terror, and energy, health and food security”.

Patil, too, extended an invitation to Obama, “I wish you every success as you assume your responsibilities at the helm of your nation and invite you to visit India as soon as possible.”

The MEA spokesperson, in an official statement congratulating the President-elect, said, “We look forward to strengthening the partnership between India and the USA and continuing the close engagement that we have developed in recent years both in bilateral cooperation and in addressing global issues of common concern.”