President of India Congratulates President Obama on Winning the Nobel Peace Prize

The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has congratulated the President of the United States of America, Mr. Barack Obama for winning the Nobel Peace Prize for the Year 2009.

In her message, the President has said, "On behalf of the people of India, I write to congratulate you for winning the prestigious 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of your extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between peoples.

I am sure that this honour would inspire all those who believe in promoting international peace and justice to achieve enduring harmony and fraternity among nations.

The award underscores the principle of mutual respect in international relations - with due respect to the diverse values of the civilizations that constitute the world of today - which is at the core of our own long standing foreign policy.

The people of India join me in conveying to you our good wishes for the continued success of your mission for positive change."

The release issued at 2000 hrs