By IANS,
New Delhi : Congratulating Barack Obama, President Pratibha Patil Wednesday said Indians see his election as a historic mandate of the people of the US.
In her message to Obama, she said: “Excellency, please accept my heartiest congratulations on your election as the next president of the United States of America.
”The people of India, who have closely followed the US election process with unprecedented interest, see your election as a historic mandate of the people of the United States of America,” she added.
The president said both countries have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations based on “our common traditions of democracy, rule of law and the affinities between our pluralistic, secular, multi-cultural and open societies”.
”India and the United States of America should build on the strong partnership that has been developed in recent years and strengthen our bilateral cooperation to the mutual benefit of our peoples – even as we work together to face the unprecedented common challenges at the global level relating to the changing climate, threats from the dark forces of terror, and energy, health and food security,” she added.
Patil wished Obama “every success as you assume your responsibilities at the helm of your nation and invite you to visit India as soon as possible”.
Democrat Obama created history with a resounding win over Republican John McCain in Tuesday’s election, crossing the country’s “colour line” to be elected the first African American president.