New Delhi, Jan 23 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "historic" election May 2014 was a clear indication of the people's desire for "inclusive" and "good governance", US President Barack Obama has said.

"Prime Minister Modi's historic election clearly reflects the desire of many Indians for economic growth that is inclusive, good government that serves citizens, and education that delivers the skills Indians seek," Obama said in an interview to India Today weekly magazine which is published in its upcoming issue.

Referring to Modi's life journey from a tea vendor to becoming the prime minister of the country, Obama said: "His remarkable life story -- from tea seller to prime minister -- is a reflection of the determination of the Indian people to succeed."

He said the prime minister's maiden visit to the US early last September was an opportunity for him to benefit from Modi's resounding mandate in 2014 that imbued "new hopes and energy".

Obama was impressed with Modi's vision for India as well as the readiness and energy he exuded to eliminate the barriers hampering economic growth.

The president, arriving in New Delhi Jan 25 on a three-day visit to attend the Republic Day parade as chief guest, saw it as "an opportunity" to advance the new India-US joint vision that the two countries agreed on during Modi's visit to the US last year.