Obama congratulates India on 'historic polls'

Congratulating India on its 'historic national election", United States President Barack Obama on Saturday said he was looking forward to working with the new government in New Delhi.

"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.

By successfully completing the largest exercise of popular voting in the world, the elections have strengthened India's vibrant democracy and upheld the values of freedom and pluralism that make India an 'example for us all', Obama said.

The Obama administration had earlier said that it was eagerly waiting for the Indian elections to get over to start working with the new government. "While the world awaits the formation of a new government in India based on the election results, the United States recognises the significance of the election for the people of India, who remain the strength and foundation for India's prosperity and democracy," the statement said.

The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance stormed to power for the second consecutive term on Saturday.

In the past few days, top US officials have said that the Obama administration wants to strengthen its strategic relationship with New Delhi and considers India as a great stabilisation factor in volatile South Asia. Obama himself has stated that India is a natural ally of the United States.