PM congratulates Obama, invites him to visit India soon

New Delhi, Nov 5 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today congratulated Democrat Barack Obama on being elected the 44th President of the United States of America, and invited him to visit India soon.

''Your extraordinary journey to the White House will inspire people not only in your country but also around the world,''he said in a message sent to the President Elect.

Extending an invitation to Mr Obama, Dr Singh said "I hope you will find an opportunity to visit India soon. A warm welcome awaits you." He said the people of India and the US were 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 people and I look forward to working with you to realise the enormous potential for cooperation that exists between India and the US," the Prime Minister said, adding that "Our two countries working together to address global issues and challenges will be an important factor for world peace, stability and progress." Dr Singh covneyed his best wishes to Mr Obama for his success in office and his personal well being.

Democrat Senator Barack Obama was declared winner this morning after a nearly two-year struggle for the White House.

He beat Republican John McCain to become the first black president in the US history. To be sworn on January 20 next year, 47-year-old Barack Obama is a first-term senator from Illinois.

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