Washington, Nov. 25 : Leaders of India and the United States on Tuesday reaffirmed the global strategic partnership through a joint statement issued at the White House after one-to-one and delegation-level meetings here.

President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh launched a new phase in the partnership.

Commending the deepening bilateral cooperation between the world''s two largest democracies across a broad spectrum of human endeavors, both leaders recognized that common ideals and complementary strengths of India and the United States provide a foundation for addressing the global challenges of the 21st century.

Both noted that the shared values cherished by their peoples and espoused by their founders - democracy, pluralism, tolerance, openness, and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights - are acquiring an increasingly greater prominence in building a more peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, secure and sustainable world.

These values are exemplified by the vibrant linkages between their peoples, which are a unique asset for both countries, and are reflected in the role played by the Indian-American community, they said.

Through the joint statement, the two leaders resolved to harness these shared strengths and to expand the U. S.-India global partnership for the benefit of their countries, for peace, stability and prosperity in Asia, and for the betterment of the world.

To this end, they committed to build upon the India-U. S. Strategic Dialogue announced in July 2009. President Obama stated that the United States looks forward to a stable and prosperous India playing an increasingly important role in world affairs. (ANI)