WASHINGTON: The United States hopes to expand its strategic partnership with India for years to come, the White House said on Monday.

Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the new Indian government on their swearing-in earlier in the day, the White House said the US and India shared “a deep bond and commitment” to promoting economic opportunity, freedom, and security for our people and around the world.

“We look forward to working closely together with the new government to continue to strengthen and expand the US-India strategic partnership for years to come,” the White House said.

The statement also noted that US President Barack Obama had called Mr Modi soon after his election and had expressed the desire to further strengthen ties.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2014