One can be proud of Indian elections: White House

Lalit K Jha

Washington, May 22 (PTI) Admiring Indian elections, the
United States Friday said the electoral process in the world's
largest democracy is something one can be proud of.

The White House spokesman, Robert Gibbs, in response to
a question said the recently held elections in India -- the
largest elections in the world -- is something "that, I think,
many can be proud of".

However, Gibbs said US President Barack Obama of late
has not made any call to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,
who is entering to his second consecutive term in the office
after victory of Congress-led alliance in the recent polls.

"The (US) President has not lately talked to the Prime
Minister," Gibbs told reporters when asked if Obama had made
any phone call to the Prime Minister on visiting India or
inviting him to the US.

The new Indian Ambassador to the US, Meera Shankar,
had presented her credentials to Obama yesterday. At the brief
ceremony Obama had said Singh is a very wise leader whom he
respects and is looking forward to visit India at an early
date.

Obama had congratulated people of India in the
successful conduct of elections last week. "President Obama
looks forward to continuing to work with the Indian Government
to enhance the warm partnership between our two countries,"
the White House said in a statement Saturday. PTI LKJ
PMR
NNNN