Vajpayee characterised US-India ties as natural partnership. His contributions led to India's rise as a global and economic power. Our two countries continue to benefit from Vajpayee's vision: Pompeo

The American people and I stand with the people of India as we mourn [former] Prime Minister Vajpayee's passing: Mike Pompeo

Condoling Atal Bihari Vajpayee's demises, United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the former prime minister was the one to characterise US-India ties as a "natural partnership of shared endeavours."

He added that Vajpayee's contributions led to India's rise as a global and economic power.

"He championed tirelessly for his country's development and demonstrated a devotion to improving the lives of every Indian. Standing before the United States Congress in 2000, he famously characterised US-India ties as a "natural partnership of shared endeavours,"" Pompeo said.

Pompeo further said that Vajpayee recognised early on that the United States and India, based on their shared democratic values, could develop a partnership that would contribute to the economic prosperity and security of the region and the world.

"Today, our two countries and our bilateral relationship continue to benefit from Prime Minister Vajpayee's vision, which helped promote expanded cooperation."

The US secretary then said, "The American people and I stand with the people of India as we mourn Prime Minister Vajpayee's passing. Today, we hold the people of India in our thoughts and prayers."