Obama impressed by Indian polls, to work with new govt

WASHINGTON: Impressed by "the largest exercise of popular voting in the world," US President Barack Obama has said that he was looking forward to continuing to work with the new Indian government to enhance the "warm" bilateral partnership.

Congratulating India on its "historic national election," Obama said the just-concluded polls have strengthened India's vibrant democracy and upheld the values of freedom and pluralism that make the country an "example for us all".

"President Obama looks forward to continuing to work with the Indian government to enhance the warm partnership between our two countries," the White House said in a statement yesterday, hours after the Congress-led UPA won the general elections and was poised to assume power for the second consecutive term.

"By successfully completing the largest exercise of popular voting in the world, the elections have strengthened India's vibrant democracy and upheld the values of freedom and pluralism that make India an example for us all", Obama said.

The Obama Administration had earlier said that it was eagerly waiting for the Indian elections to be over to start working with the new government.