Manmohan Singh is a wise, wonderful man: Obama

M K Razdan

London, Apr 3 (PTI) It appeared like a mutual admiration
society with US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh effusively praising each other after
their first meeting.

The 48-year-old new American leader described Singh as a
"wise" and "wonderful" man as the two leaders met on the
sidelines of G-20 here Thursday night.

"First of all I should say that your Prime Minister is a
wonderful man. He is wise and decent man," said Obama, clearly
impressed by the economist-PM's persona.

"He (Singh) has been doing a wonderful job in guiding
India even prior to being the Prime Minister along the path of
extraordinary economic growth. That is a marvel, I think, for
all of the world," the US President remarked, apparently
referring to Singh's pioneering role in India's economic
liberalisation.

On his part, Singh told Obama: "You are much loved and
respected in India."

Reciprocating young US President's lavish praise, the
76-year-old Indian leader said Obama had "brought a ray of
hope" and the youth look up to him "as an icon".

Singh said under Obama's leadership, challenges like
climate change could be met.

The Prime Minister said India and the US share "same
dreams and same vision" and the two countries will like to
work together to realise those dreams.

He invited Obama to India, saying a warm welcome awaits
him there.

Obama acknowledged the role played by Singh in
unleashing economic forces, because of which India was
enjoying a "high stature" in the world polity.

The first black US President also hailed India's
democratic and diverse character.

"India is full of diversity and energy and is complex
just like the USA," Obama said.

Obama said the US sees India as a global partner and
together the two countries can play a critical part in meeting
the challenges of 21st century like climate change, science
and innovation. PTI