American Vice President and democratic candidate for November presidential elections Al Gore has assured India of his continued support and a lasting friendship. At a luncheon he hosted in honour of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on Friday, Gore said the US shared India's concerns on terrorism, which undermines democracy, and on the proliferation of nuclear technologies. Describing Vajpayee, a rare to find leader, who combines the qualities of idealism and pragmatism, confidence and humility, Gore spoke about how the Indian leader combined the attributes of a poet and politician to inspire the people and lead them towards progress. As a poet, you have inspired the imagination of your people. As Prime Minister, you have challenged your people to act on their imagination to create a shared vision for a united, democratic, prosperous and peaceful India and make their “vision a reality'' he said. Gore said he was confident that India was destined for great heights. One of the world's great civilisation, India has emerged, of course, as one of the great democracies. Bureau Report