Obama, McCain bullish on growing Indo-US ties

WASHINGTON: Lauding India's economic achievement and democratic traditions, US presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain today congratulated the country on its 62nd Independence Day and extended their support to the growing Indo-US partnership.

Issuing separate messages in an apparent bid to reach out the Indian-Americans, a crucial voting bloc in the November polls, the Democrat and Republican nominees for White House acknowledged their contribution, saying the knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial spirit of the community have benefited both the countries.

"I extend my heartiest congratulations to India, its citizens, and the Indian-American community in the United States on this 61st anniversary of India's Independence. Your success as a democracy serves as a beacon for the entire world. It reminds us that the quest for freedom is universal," Senator McCain said.

Observing that India's recent economic achievements remain a "great source of admiration" in the United States, the Arizona Republican also noted that India is one of American's "closest democratic partners".




"I support the growing partnership between India and United States and that is why I voted for the US-India nuclear accord and I will continue to work to strengthen the bond between our two nations; a bond that is enriched by the presence of the Indian Americans in the US," he said.

Obama also pointed out that it was "natural that the world's oldest and the world's largest constitutional democracies should enjoy strong relations."

"Public health, education, agriculture, energy, strategic cooperation and technology are only a few of the fields where we should continue to work jointly," he urged.