DHAKA: US president Barack Obama hailed India’s massive general election and pledged to work closely with the next government in New Delhi.

‘India has set an example for the world in holding the largest democratic election in history, a vibrant demonstration of our shared values of diversity and freedom,’ Obama said in a statement, The Straits Times publishes this report on Tuesday.

‘We look forward to the formation of a new government once election results are announced and to working closely with India’s next administration to make the coming years equally transformative.’

Obama did not mention the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi, which exit polls suggest will emerge as the biggest party from polls in which more than 500 million people voted.

The United States had for years refused to deal with Modi over allegations he failed to swiftly curb deadly 2002 anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat which left at least 1,000 people dead shortly after he came to power as chief minister there.

BDST: 1325 HRS, MAY 13, 2014