U.S. President Barack Obama called India a critical partner during talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the G-20 summit in London.
The leaders of the world's two largest democracies affirmed their nations' enduring friendship when they met for the first time Thursday.
Mr. Obama called India a global power that will be helpful in dealing with climate change, poverty, science and innovation.
The Indian prime minister called Mr. Obama a visionary leader who has given hope to all of "the oppressed people" of the world.
Mr. Singh said India is ready to chart a new path of collaboration in diverse fields, including the challenges of terrorism.
The Obama administration has said defeating Islamic extremism in South Asia requires a comprehensive, regional approach.