The Hindu : Front Page : Manmohan congratulates Bush

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 05, 2004

Front Page

Front Page

Manmohan congratulates Bush

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, NOV. 4. The Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, has congratulated George W. Bush on his re-election as President of the United States of America. He conveyed to Mr. Bush the good wishes of the people and the Government on India "as you prepare to lead your great nation, drawing on a strong mandate, in the years ahead."

Referring to his discussions with Mr. Bush in New York in September, Dr. Singh recalled the focus "on the over-riding priority of making the future more secure." He assured Mr. Bush that "as partners against terrorism and weapons of mass destruction proliferation, we will stand by the United States in strengthening international peace and stability."

In his message, Dr. Singh noted: "One major goal of our policies must be to continue to deny any comfort or encouragement to religious extremism or terrorism, and resolve to ensure their complete elimination as an acceptable instrument of State policy. We are confident that the United States and India are on the same side in this effort."

Acknowledging that during Mr. Bush's first term "our bilateral relations underwent a qualitative transformation, due in no small measure to your personal commitment and efforts," Dr. Singh hoped that "as India's integration with the global economy grows, we need to chart out an economic road map that would be an integral element of our broader relationship. We must embark on a larger and a more ambitious agenda for broader strategic cooperation; high technology, commerce and defence hold a particular promise in this regard."

Dr. Singh said, "we look forward to moving ahead expeditiously through the Next Step in Strategic Partnership." He expressed the hope that the India-U.S. partnership "can make a positive difference to issues of global significance in this century." Dr. Singh ended his message with the hope that Mr. Bush would be able to visit India soon.

Afghan elections

Dr. Singh alsonoted with satisfaction "the successful holding of presidential elections in Afghanistan, which is in consonance with the vital interests of both our countries. And, he added, "we all have a stake in the early return of Iraq to the international mainstream as a democratic country. India is ready to contribute to the electoral process early next year."

Kalam's best wishes for Bush

The President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has congratulated George W. Bush on his re-election as President of the United States. In his message, Mr. Kalam said, "I convey my warm congratulations on your re-election as the U.S. President. During your first term, relations between our two countries expanded significantly across a broad agenda. Growing warmth between our peoples has added to a steady convergence of interests. Initiatives taken by your administration, including in high technology, have a strong resonance in my country.''

On behalf of the Government and the people of India, Mr. Kalam expressed his best wishes to Mr. Bush in his second term.

In a statement, the Communist Party of India said Mr. Bush's re-election was bound to harden U.S. policies in international affairs and multinational fora. India and all developing countries would have to forge better unity and understanding in their own interests to safeguard political and economic sovereignty, it said.

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