Indo-US strategic relations to continue expansion: Pranab

Thimphu, Nov 5 (UNI) Describing the Indo-US strategic relations as multi-dimensional and expanding, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today hoped that under the new President elect Barack Obama, the momentum of relationship between the two countries would continue.

Welcoming the new president, Mr Mukherjee, who is here to attend the coronation ceremony of Bhutan's fifth king Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, told UNI that election of Mr Barack Obama, who is of mixed race, was a major change.

He said it was quite clear that in a democracy, one could overcome social prejudice and other types of mental blocks which a large population of American people had demonstrated. Without the support of the people, it would not have been possible, he added.

The External Affairs Minister said Mr Obama's election to the top post indicated how he had overcome the discriminations based on colour or race.

Discounting that the change of leadership in the US would have any impact on Indo-US nuke deal signed with the former Bush administration, Mr Mukherjee said the relationship between the two countries was based on certain values and requirements and not on any individual. ''In the US, earlier also the parties in power had changed,'' he said.

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