Washington: Resolving to build an "enhanced comprehensive" relationship with India, US President George W Bush has said ties with New Delhi, 'an outstanding partner in its war on terror' will figure high among his priorities if he gets a second term.

Bush, who was hailed yesterday (Aug 31, 2004) at the Republican Party national convention for transforming the face of Indo-US relations, said he was "absolutely committed to build an enhanced comprehensive relationship" with India, including moving forward on the next steps in strategic partnership.

Terming the Indo-US relations as multi-dimensional, he said India is playing an important role in consolidating democracy and peace in South Asia and the rest of the world.

He said ties with India and security on the subcontinent will be given high priorities if re-elected to office and lauded India for being an "outstanding partner in the global war on terror".

On the recent thaw in Indo-Pak relations and the on-going peace process, Bush, in an interview to the 'India Abroad' weekly yesterday, said India and Pakistan are going to have to keep talking and the US has no mediatory role in it.

Bush, who is set to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the latter's visit to the US to participate in the UN General Assembly session, said he was looking forward for working with Singh closely.

Singh will have a breakfast meeting with Bush on September 21 in New York.