Obama Congratulates Narendra Modi on Being Sworn In As the 15th Prime Minister of India


WASHINGTON: U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday congratulated Narendra Modi on being sworn-in as India's 15th Prime Minister and said he looks forward to working with the new leader to strengthen the strategic partnership.

"President Obama congratulates Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and the new Indian government on their swearing-in today," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.

"As the President and Prime Minister agreed in their call after the election, as the world's two largest democracies, India and the United States share a deep bond and commitment to promoting economic opportunity, freedom, and security for our people and around the world," he said.

Obama had congratulated Modi for his electoral victory during a telephone call on the day poll results showed a landslide electoral win for the BJP.

"We look forward to working closely together with the new government to continue to strengthen and expand the U.S.-India strategic partnership for years to come," Carney said in a statement.

Obama had congratulated Modi for his electoral victory during a telephone call on the day poll results showed a landslide electoral win for the BJP.

During the brief maiden telephonic conversation, Obama had extended an invitation to the BJP leader to visit the U.S. to further strengthen bilateral ties.

The U.S., which has denied him visa since 2005 in the wake the 2002 Gujarat riots, said Modi would be eligible for an A-1 visa as the Head of Government.

Modi, 63, was today sworn-in as Prime Minister at the head of a 45-member coalition government after the elections threw the first government with absolute majority in 30 years.

Source: PTI