Wednesday, July 20 2005 16:57 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said his current visit has laid the groundwork for a transformation of ties with the United States (US), which would contribute to India's long-term strength and competitiveness.

"I saw a different level of interest in India on the part of the President himself, key members of the administration and among members of the US Congress," he said at a reception, organised by Indian Ambassador Ronen Sen for him, here yesterday (July 19, 2005).

Singh affirmed that during the last two days of his visit to the US, "groundwork had been laid for a new relationship between the two countries."

"The discussion we had would mark a transformation of ties between the two great democracies," Singh said adding, "Initiatives and understandings that emerge from this visit should contribute to the long-term strength and competitiveness of India".

"For me, this visit represents an important step in our journey towards reform and modernisation that began in 1991," he said.

Pointing out that the Indian economy had now acquired the capacity to grow annually at the rate of seven to eight per cent, the Prime Minister said "it is an endeavour to communicate to opinion makers the ferment and energy that characterise Indian society."

The Prime Minister said the role of the Indian community and Indian-Americans in the transformation process was vital. "No community in American history has achieved as much success in such a short time as Indian-Americans."

"Through your commitment and efforts, India and the Indo-US partnership will grow together," he said.