New Delhi: Congratulating President George W Bush on his re-election, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Nov 4, 2004) said India and the US must deny any encouragement to religious extremism and terrorism and resolve to eliminate them as an acceptable instrument of State policy.

In a letter to Bush, he pledged India's full support to combat terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to strengthen international peace and security.

Singh also underlined the need for charting out an economic roadmap that would be an integral element of broader relationship between the two countries.

One major goal of the two countries' policies, the Prime Minister said, "Must be to continue to deny any comfort or encouragement to religious extremism or terrorism, and resolve to ensure their complete elimination as an acceptable instrument of State policy.

"We are confident that the United States and India are on the same side in this effort".

Recalling his discussions with Bush in New York in September that focussed on the overriding priority of making the future more secure, Singh said, "As partners against terrorism and WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) proliferation, we will stand by the United States in strengthening international peace and stability".

"The global war against terrorism and efforts to combat WMD proliferation will benefit enormously from your steadfast resolve and leadership", Singh said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh invited US President George W Bush to visit India, saying it would be a "milestone" in bilateral ties.

"A visit by you, Mr President, to India would be a milestone in our relations. I hope that we will have the opportunity to welcome you in India very soon", he said in a letter to Bush congratulating him on his re-election to White House.

"My good wishes as well as those of the Government and the people of India are with you as you prepare to lead your great nation, drawing on a strong mandate, in the years ahead", the Prime Minister said.