Obama invites Modi to US

Washington: President Obama has invited Narendra Modi to Washington to strengthen bilateral ties.

The White House said Obama called Modi to congratulate him on the BJP’s success in India’s historic election. Hours before the call, Washington made it clear that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is welcome in the US. Obama administration extended the most explicit invitation to India’s prime minister-to-be on Friday, indicating that the visa flap that had dogged ties with him is a thing of the past.

Many turned to congratulate the party which promises to offer a “red carpet” for investors and not more red tape. Large parts of the corporate world, both domestic and international, have supported his rise. Ford Motor Company expressed admiration for the electorate saying the outcome was one that would be good for India and for foreign investment.

The White House spokesman Jay Carney also praised the outgoing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his contribution to India-U.S relations and said ties would continue to remain bright going forward.

Earlier, US Secretary of State John Kerry tweeted his congratulations to prime minister-designate Narendra Modi on his historic victory in the general elections. “Congrats to @narendramodi and BJP. Look forward to working w/you/growing shared prosperity/security w/world’s largest democracy”.  

Kerry’s remarks came after the White House National Security Council also took to Twitter to convey its greeting.

“US congratulates BJP on its victory in India’s historic election; we look forward to working w/govt once formed to advance our partnership,” the National Security (NSC) of the White House said in its tweet.

“After the largest democratic election in history, US congratulates the BJP for its victory and looks forward to working closely with new government,” tweeted Ben Rhodes, the Deputy National Security Advisor and a close aide of President Barack Obama.