Prez, PM congratulate Obama, hope to fight global challenges

New Delhi, Nov 5 (UNI) President Pratiba Devisingh Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today congratulated United States President-elect Barack Obama on his overwhelming victory in the elections to the White House and hoped that India and the US would continue working together to face global challenges.

Both the leaders invited Mr Obama to visit India soon.

Mrs Patil, in a message to Mr Obama, said both countries have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations based on common culture of democracy, rule of law and the affinities between the pluralistic, secular, multi-cultural and open societies.

While inviting Mr Obama to visit India ''as soon as possible,'' Mrs Patil called for developing strong partnership between the two countries even as both work together to face common global challenges like climate change, terrorism, energy crisis, health and food security.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the ''extraordinary journey'' to the White House by Mr Obama would inspire people not only in the US but also around the world.

''I hope you will find an opportunity to visit India soon.

A warm welcome awaits you,'' he said.

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,'' Dr Singh said, adding that the two countries working together to address global issues and challenges would be an important factor for world peace, stability and progress." An Official spokesman said India was looking forward to strengthening partnership with the United States and continuing the close engagement developed in recent years, both in bilateral cooperation and addressing global issues of common concern.

''The Government and the people of India congratulate Senator Barack Obama, who has won the mandate of the American people...We look forward to strengthening the partnership between India and the US and continuing the close engagement that we have developed in recent years both in bilateral cooperation and in addressing global issues of common concern,'' the spokesman added.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi also congratulated Mr Obama and conveyed her best wishes for his success in office and for his personal well being.

Editors pick up suitably from related series.

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