By IANS,
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday telephoned his new British counterpart David Cameron to congratulate him and hoped that he would further strengthen relations between the two countries.
A British High Commission statement said Singh in a “very warm and friendly call” congratulated Cameron.
“In a 10-minute call, both leaders discussed a number of bilateral issues but foremost was a discussion on the world economy,” said the statement.
He added that both leaders “reinforced strong bilateral relationship between India and the United Kingdom and looked forward to strengthening it further”.
Singh also wrote a congratulatory letter to Cameron, which was released by the Indian Prime Minister’s Office here.
“The elections in the United Kingdom and your stewardship of the Conservative Party reflect the best traditions of parliamentary democracy. I wish you the very best in your leadership in the years ahead,” said Manmohan Singh in the letter.
The Indian leader said he recalled with great pleasure his meeting with Cameron in New Delhi in September 2006.
“Over the years, our bilateral relations have diversified into a vibrant and multi-faceted strategic partnership encompassing almost all areas of human endeavour,” he said.
“We are today well placed to build upon this strong edifice not just for the welfare and benefit of our two peoples, but also to work together to address the pressing global challenges that we face today, and to harness the growing inter-dependence among nations for the good of humankind.
“I look forward to working with you to further advance and strengthen our bonds of friendship, to which India attaches the highest importance,” he added.
“It gives me great pleasure to extend a most cordial invitation to you to visit India at your convenience.”
Cameron, one of Britain’s youngest prime ministers in nearly 200 years, got the top job after his party sealed a deal with the third-placed Liberal Democrats. Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg will be Cameron’s deputy.
The election marked the end of 13 years of Labour rule.