NEW DELHI - US President Barrack Obama has extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh to visit Washington during a conversation on Saturday night. He also congratulated him on his re election as premier.

Earlier, Obama described Dr.Singh as a wise man and expressed his intention to visit India soon.

Indian Prime Minister shared very warm relationship with Obama’s predecessor George W bush and a good chemistry seems to be building up with Obama.

During the telephonic conversation on Saturday both leaders also recalled their warm meeting in London on April 2 and discussed their mutual desire to strengthen U.S.-India relations and work together to address common global challenges, such as the economic downturn, climate change, and counterterrorism.

With Indo-US civil nuclear deal as a cornerstone the strategic relationship between the two countries peaked during the last five years. Despite the apprehensions raised by UPA coalition partner Left parties which have ideological differences with the US, Dr Singh steered the relations smoothly.

Now With the fresh mandat when left parties out of the way , Indo-US relationship is expected to reach a new high in Dr Sing second innings.

The mains reasons why New Delhi has become even more valued partner for Obama in the current times because India is playing a crucial role in his Af Pak policy as a regional contact partner, In these difficult times of economic stress Washington also see great potential in the field of nuclear energy in India and is also bidding for the big ticket 40 billion dollars defence deal which includes the purchase of 126 fighters planes ,this deal is touted as one of the world’s biggest current arms deals.

The two leaders are expected to meet on the margins of July G 8 summit that is going to take place in Italy. By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)