US Ambassador David Mulford on Tuesday called on External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh and handed over a letter of goodwill and congratulations from Secretary of State Colin Powell. The letter follows a telephonic conversation Powell had with Singh on Monday.
During the hour-long meeting with the American ambassador, Singh said India attached 'exceptional importance' to Indo-US relations. As a friend of the US, India would stay in touch and share perspectives on all issues. He welcomed the formation of the 'India caucus' in the US Congress.
Observing that there was broad consensus in the country on foreign policy, he said India would be watching events over the next few months 'which we feel are crucial for our region'.
Mulford said the US looked forward to working with the new Indian government.
He is the first foreign envoy to call on Singh after the latter took charge of the External Affairs Ministry.