U.S. Lawmakers Hail Modi's Victory; Call for Greater Indo-U.S. Ties

Top Democratic leader and India Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Joe Crowley said that the U.S. looks forward to working with the new Indian government.

"I am sure there would be better days ahead (in India U.S. relationship). There will be potholes. I think the White House understands that India is on the rise and that's why it deserves a seat at the UN Security Council," the New York lawmaker said, as he welcomed the initiative of the Prime Minister-designate Modi to invite leaders of the South Asian countries to attend his swearing in ceremony.

Crowley also said it is time that India has a permanent place in the United Nations Security Council.

"I am very pleased that the (U.S.) President invited Modi to the United States. We look forward to working with this new government and continue the relationship forward," he said.

In a message to the event organised at the Capitol Hill, BJP President Rajnath Singh said that India and the U.S. have the potential to work together as natural allies.

"We have an enduring friendship and a strong partnership," he said.

"The BJP is looking forward to strengthen bilateral relations with the U.S. and we will take the large Indian American community on board in this endeavor," Singh said.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were Congressman George Holding, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal and Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy.