PM seeks US cooperation in tackling poverty, disease

Visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that New Delhi is engaged in getting rid of chronic poverty, ignorance and disease, which still afflict millions of people and it looks forward to the US support in this regard.

US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Singh held a bilateral meeting while attending the G-20 summit on late Sunday night.

"We are engaged in getting rid of chronic poverty, ignorance and disease which still afflict millions and millions of our people. And it''s our common desire to work together to get rid of this scourge in our lifetime. And in that the United States'' support means a great deal to us. Your personal commitment to social justice is something we cherish," Singh said.

The Indian Prime Minister welcomed Obama's support in India's "social and economic transformation".

"I look forward to have the privilege of welcoming you and your family to our country so that you can see for yourself what we are trying to do, the difficulties of managing social and economic transformation in the framework of a democracy committed to the rule of law, committed to all fundamental human freedoms.

"I think that's what India seeks to achieve, and in this we seek your active involvement and active participation," Singh added.

The US President praised the Indian Prime Minister's knowledge of economic activities which he said were of service to the summit which was focused on finding a way out of the fragile economic crisis.

Obama also said he looks forward to an upcoming visit to India, which follows Singh's state visit to the US in November 2009.