The envoy recalled that before he came to India, he met Obama for nearly an hour to discuss the US-India relationship. 'Aside from the good advice he offered me about getting out of New Delhi to meet Indians all around this country, he spoke warmly and respectfully about Prime Minister Singh,' he said.

The envoy recalled that during their discussion at the White House, Obama touched his heart and said: 'You make sure that you extend my heartfelt wishes to the prime minister and his health.'

Referring to extensive people-to-people contacts, the envoy stressed that 'the real test of our partnership will be how we work together on the important common global challenges of our era.'