Washington: Vowing to strengthen ties with the "natural partner" India, Democratic presidential hopeful, Barack Obama, has noted that the hardworking Indian-American professionals are adding to the "richness" of the US society and invited the community to join him in "renewing the strength" of this country.

"The world's oldest democracy and the world s largest democracy are natural partners, sharing important interests and fundamental democratic values," Obama said in a yet to be published article in the ethnic India Abroad newspaper, excerpts of which were given in a write-up yesterday.

The Illinois Democrat, who is giving his party rival for Presidential nomination Hillary Rodham Clinton a run for her money and hopes to clinch the Ohio and Texas primaries of March 4 to further consolidate his position, recognised the major contributions of Indian-American community to the US economy as well as the fabric of the American society.

"Already, in communities across this country, Indian Americans are lifting up our economy and creating jobs," he said and pointed out that "leading entrepreneurs, innovators, lawyers, doctors, engineers, and hardworking professionals are adding to the richness and success of the American society."

The 46-year-old Democrat also took a direct hit at the hate crimes that attracted a lot of attention in the US in the aftermath of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. "Too often flawed strategies like racial profiling have had a disproportionate effect on Indian-Americans. Too often, restrictions at our borders have prevented entry for many students and family members who seek nothing more than opportunity and reunification with loved ones," he said.

Source : PTI