New Delhi - India had the political will to work with the newly-elected Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in a message to the Pakistani leader on Sunday.

"In your new office, you will find a friend in India," Singh said in his message, adding that the government and people of India wished to build close ties of friendship and partnership between the two countries.

The nuclear-capable South Asian neighbours have had troubled relations since independence from British rule in 1947 and have fought three wars. They are currently engaged in a dialogue to resolve differences including that over the disputed Kashmir region.

"The ushering in of democracy in Pakistan opens new opportunities for us to work together to bring the fruits of peace, prosperity and development to our region," Singh said. "We have the political will to work with you to seize these opportunities and transform our relations." (dpa)