Obama calls PM, discusses Indo-US ties

United States President-elect Barack Obama called up Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday. Obama discussed Indo-US ties with Dr Singh and stated that the two countries can work together in many areas.

The strategic partnership between India and US was very important, Obama reportedly told Dr Singh.

The call was placed on Wednesday morning as earlier attempts to establish contact between the two sides failed to materialise because Dr Singh was traveling abroad. 

The prime minister congratulated Obama on his historic victory and said his success would be an inspiration for the oppressed people all over the world, according to sources in the Prime Minister's Office.

The prime minister said that the relationship between India and the US was 'very good but we should not be satisfied with the status quo'.

Singh conveyed his best wishes for the success of the Obama administration in meeting challenges that face the world. He also invited Obama and his wife Michelle to visit India, the sources said.

Obama praised Singh's contribution towards the progress of India as the finance minister earlier and the prime minister now.