Manmohan Singh extols Obama's victory

In his first reaction to Barack Obama’s winning race to the US White House, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hailing the historic win expressed a healthier bilateral relation with America under the new leadership.

"We have strong ties between our people and I look forward to working with you to realize the enormous potential for cooperation that exists between India and the US," Dr. Singh said congratulating Barack Obama on creating history by electing the first African-American President and the 44th US President.

“Your extraordinary journey to the White House will inspire people not only in your country but around the world,” Singh said in a congratulatory note.

The Prime Minister said that people of both India and America are bound by shared commitment to freedom, justice, pluralism, individual rights and democracy. These ideals provide solid bedrock for our friendship and strategic partnership.

The two countries working together to address international issues and challenges will be an important factor for world peace, stability and progress, Dr. Singh said.

The Prime Minister also invited the new US president-elect to visit India. "I hope you will find an opportunity to visit India soon. A warm welcome awaits you."

The 47-year old senator, born to a Kenyan father and an American mother, ending the eight-year long Republican rule won 338 electoral seats against 155 by 72-year-old John McCain of Republican Party.

Obama and his running mate Joseph Biden will take their oaths of office as the US President and Vice President on January 20, 2009- the day when the incumbent George W Bush’s term comes to an end after eight-year long rule.