President George W Bush heaped lavish praise on the Indian-American community and declared they 'play an important role in helping shape our culture, our character, and our future.'

In a message to the Indian American Friendship Council that holds its seventh annual convention July 15, which has  traditionally attracted the most number of US lawmakers and diplomats second only to the annual convention of the powerful American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, one of the most powerful Jewish-American organizations in the US, Bush said Indian-Americans 'through their commitment to family, community and education, these talented citizens have made contributions that enrich our society and contribute to the diversity that makes our nation strong.'

The president noted that 'as an organization dedicated to creating a strong bridge between the United States and India, the IAFC helps preserve and promote Indian culture, tradition and history.'

Bush applauded the IAFC's 'dedication to strengthening the important relationship between our countries and celebrating your Indian heritage,' and added that 'we look forward to a future of continued friendship and collaboration between our great nations.'

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in extending his good wishes to the IAFC on its annual meeting, declared that 'relations between India and the United States have now entered a new and promising era of partnership and c cooperation.'

He said that 'natural allies, our two countries are bound by our common commitment to freedom, pluralism and the rule of law, and share a common responsibility in bringing about a more peaceful and prosperous world.'

'Our partnership can be strengthened through more intense economic and commercial exchanges and greater scientific and technological cooperation,' Vajpayee said.

The prime minister acknowledged that 'the community of Indian origin in the United States has played a sterling role in fostering this recent transformation in the relations between our two countries. With its growing numbers and influence,  the community has a special responsibility to ensure that the momentum of our exchanges is further accelerated, and that our people reap the benefits of the opportunities so generated.'