WASHINGTON: Governor of Louisiana state Bobby Jindal has said there is a "great opportunity" for strengthening the Indo-U.S. relationship in the field of bilateral trade and war against terrorism.

Emerging out of the White House immediately after a meeting with President Barack Obama, along with other members of the National Governors Association, Jindal said the India-U.S. relationship is one area on the foreign policy front where there is a bipartisan support and the two countries would benefit – both economically and politically – from strengthening of this ties.

"I think it is a great opportunity for both countries (India and the U.S.)," Jindal, who is the first Indian American governor of a U.S. state, told PTI Feb. 23.

"One of the things that the president did talk about (during the meeting), for example, was the potential trade deal with the Pacific region and, I think, this is one example where countries like India or other nations in Asia that are friends to America. India is one of them," said Jindal.

"We have traditional allies like South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, but also other countries including Vietnam. They are friendly to America and want a strong relationship," said the Louisiana governor.

"I think this (India-U.S. bilateral relationship) is good for India. It is good for America. I think, both economically as well as politically, there are great opportunities. And there is a bipartisan support to do that. That is something that the president could work with this Congress to get done. I think this would benefit both countries," Jindal said.

A Republican presidential aspirant, this is the first time that Jindal has expressed his view on the India-U.S. relationship.

Highly critical of Obama's foreign policy, Jindal appeared to be supportive of the president's efforts to strengthen ties with India, which he noted is in America's interest.

Responding to questions, Jindal supported a joint effort between India and the U.S. in the fight against terrorism, in particular Islamic extremism.

"Two things have to happen. One is to call on leaders of the Muslim community to not just denounce acts of violence, but also individuals by name who commit this violence, to make clear that such individuals are not going to enjoy or be rewarded after life," he said.

"Secondly, one of the things which is also very important is that we got to insist on simulation on integration of our societies. That is something that America has a great history of being a melting pot, welcoming folks from all over the world," he said.

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