Chennai -- David Mulford, the US ambassador in India, Thursday paid a courtesy call on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.

Speaking to reporters, Mulford said: "He has a very great reputation in India and has been a political leader for a long, long time... I wanted to wish him well and express my admiration for him."

He also praised the "good governance" in Tamil Nadu.

He said the US appreciated the "business-friendly atmosphere in Tamil Nadu, both for the Indian investor and for foreign investors.

"There are a number of American companies here. We are happy to be here," he said.