Leaders of the Indian-American community on Wednesday welcomed the election of Barack Obama [Images] as the next President of the US, expressing confidence that growing ties between the two countries would be further strengthened during his tenure.

Chairman of the American Indians for Democrats Sant Singh Chatwal, a major fund-raiser for the party, said Obama along with Vice President Joseph Biden would follow a pragmatic foreign policy as they understand the reality of the global situation.

Biden, he noted, was instrumental in the successful conclusion of the landmark Indo-US Civilian Nuclear Deal.

Chatwal, who was among the select leaders invited for the Democratic victory party in Washington, expressed the hope that Obama will be able to bring about real change and his "progressive" ideas would help lift the country's economy and enable the country forge wider alliances to fight terrorism and other such scourges.

Congratulating Obama on his "great victory", the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA, expressed the hope that the new president would continue to seek strengthening Indo-US relations.

In a statement, its General Secretary George Abraham said that both India and the United States have common and pluralistic traditions and need to work together in resolving complex problems facing the world.

"The last few years under the Bush administration has seen ties between US and India grow culminating in the landmark civilian deal," he said, adding that INOC expects the relations to get further boost under Obama.

Recalling Obama's Diwali message to the Indian community, Abraham pledged INOC's support in his pledged mission to create change and fight ignorance and intolerance.

Kashmir Forum, which had endorsed Obama, expressed confidence that he would fulfill his pledge to fight terrorists in Pakistan to ensure that they are not able to create mischief in Kashmir, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world.

"Ending terrorism would be the greatest gift to Kashmir, for it would allow Kashmir people to live in peace, pursue vocations, enjoy their families and normalise their lives," said Chairman of the Forum Surinder Zutshi.

Expressing "delight" at the election of Obama, he expressed confidence that Indo-American relations will reach a "significant new high" under his leadership.