Manmohan, Obama have ‘fantastic’ working bond

US President Barack Obama has developed a “fantastic working relationship” with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a senior administration official said on Thursday, asserting that the US recognises the “importance” of India as a key regional and global power.

US President Barack Obama has developed a “fantastic working relationship” with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a senior administration official said on Thursday, asserting that the US recognises the “importance” of India as a key regional and global power.

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Mike Hammer, assistant secretary of state for Public Affairs, said that the people of both the nations had benefited tremendously from this relationship based on common values. He also congratulated Pranab Mukherjee on being sworn in as the 13th President of India and said the US was “looking forward to working with him.” Responding to a question on India-US trade relationship and apprehensions in the US about India’s investment climate, Hammer said the US has always looked for opportunites to promote American business and American jobs.

“US will always be looking to create jobs for itself, but our relationships and increased trade with our partners does increase the number of jobs not only in that country but also at home,” Hammer said.

Acknowledging India as a crucial economic partner of the US, he, pitched for “lower barriers” to ensure both the countries compete and look for ways to promote economic growth in a free and fair manner.

“When there’s growth in India, it creates markets for American products,” Hammer noted, calling for joint efforts.