Obama says he looks forward to visiting India, a crucial ally, later this year

TORONTO – TORONTO (AP) — President Barack Obama says he looks forward to visiting India, an important ally of the United States.

Obama plans to visit the rising Asian power with his family in early November.

The president talked about the "strategic partnership" between the two nations in a meeting Sunday with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. They are in Toronto for an economic summit of world leaders.

India is crucial to the U.S.-led fight against extremists in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is also a counterweight to China in the region and plays a key role in setting world trade and climate deals.

Singh calls Obama a "role model" to millions of people around the world, citing his hard work and values.