PM congratulates Rouhani

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today congratulated Iranian President-elect Hassan Rouhani and said he looks forward to working with him to strengthen the "broad-based" relationship between the two countries.

In a letter to Rouhani, Singh said India and Iran "enjoy deep historical and civilizational links which have provided a strong foundation for our broad-based and mutually beneficial relationship.

"We look forward to strengthening this relationship", he said.

Rouhani, a reformist known for his moderate image favouring more personal freedom and a more concilatory approach to the world, was voted Iran's President on Saturday last.