Barack Obama writes to Manmohan Singh, applauds his 'boldness'

New Delhi: It is a measure of the peronal respect that US President Barack Obama had for outgoing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh apart from of course diplomatic niceties that he has written to him lauding his boldness and vision in strenghtening bilateral  ties.

Stating that this will have a “long-lasting impact,” the US president has also praised Dr Singh for his resolve to reach out to Pakistan.

Praising Dr Singh he wrote that this “showed the path to a stable, peaceful South Asia.” The US president said that even before he became president, he “greatly admired” Dr Singh’s dedication to alleviate India’s poverty, through economic reforms.

“While it was a pleasure to talk to you on the phone, I wanted to respond to your thoughtful letter and put in writing my deep appreciation for your remarkable two terms in office,” said the US president in his missive to Dr Singh which was in response to the farewell letter the outgoing PM sent him.

“I have tremendous gratitude for the critical role you have played in defining and expanding the strategic partnership between India and the US," he further said.