Quelling speculations of a diplomatic ‘cold shoulder’ to New Delhi, US President-elect, Barack Obama, finally telephoned Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He accepted Singh’s congratulations and promised to visit Delhi soon. He stressed on the importance of the bilateral strategic partnership.
Singh told Obama that relations between India and the US were good, but the two countries could not be satisfied with the status quo. According to the Prime Minister's Office, he wished Obama well in trying to meet the “enormous challenges that face the world”.
Obama said the US-India strategic relationship was important and the new administration wanted to work with India on all global issues. He recalled Singh’s contribution as Finance Minister and also praised his contribution as the country’s Prime Minister.
Singh and Obama spoke in the morning, after days of media speculation over the time the President-elect seemed to be taking in making the call. Soon after his election, Obama began working the phones, talking to heads of several countries — ranging from Britain to Pakistan — but left out India. Some wondered if he was “ignoring” India.
However, Singh dismissed the thought, suggesting to reporters travelling with him that the only issue between the two was scheduling the call. Singh has just returned from a trip to Oman and Qatar and Obama too is busy.
Both have exchanged letters in recent weeks. Obama wrote to Singh during the campaign and Singh sent him a warm note when he was elected President.
As in his letter, Singh assured that a “warm welcome” awaited Obama when he visited India.
Obama said he wished to make “an early visit”.
Singh told Obama that relations between India and the US were good, but the two countries could not be satisfied with the status quo. According to the Prime Minister's Office, he wished Obama well in trying to meet the “enormous challenges that face the world”.
Obama said the US-India strategic relationship was important and the new administration wanted to work with India on all global issues. He recalled Singh’s contribution as Finance Minister and also praised his contribution as the country’s Prime Minister.
Singh and Obama spoke in the morning, after days of media speculation over the time the President-elect seemed to be taking in making the call. Soon after his election, Obama began working the phones, talking to heads of several countries — ranging from Britain to Pakistan — but left out India. Some wondered if he was “ignoring” India.
However, Singh dismissed the thought, suggesting to reporters travelling with him that the only issue between the two was scheduling the call. Singh has just returned from a trip to Oman and Qatar and Obama too is busy.
Both have exchanged letters in recent weeks. Obama wrote to Singh during the campaign and Singh sent him a warm note when he was elected President.
As in his letter, Singh assured that a “warm welcome” awaited Obama when he visited India.
Obama said he wished to make “an early visit”.
No comments:
Post a Comment