Thaindian News

New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday congratulated his new British counterpart David Cameron and hoped that he will further strengthen relations between Britain and India.
Manmohan Singh also extended an invitation to the Conservative leader who led his party to the top spot in a hung British parliament.

In a statement, Manmohan Singh said: “Please accept my heartiest felicitations and congratulations on your assumption of the office of the prime minister of the United Kingdom.

“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.”

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, 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.