Mahatma Gandhi, who was a major inspiration behind American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Junior's movement, laid the foundation of the emergence of a personality like Barack Obama as US President, at least two lawmakers believe.

Congressmen Gregory Meeks from New York and Jim McDermott from Washington state have asserted that Mahatma Gandhi and hence India has a significant role to play in the US having its first ever black president.

It is Gandhi, who inspired Martin Luther King Junior who in turn laid the solid foundation of the present day as he inspired people like Barack Obama, they said addressing a group of India-American leaders at the Capitol Hill in Washington.

"Just a week ago today, we were here in the Capitol celebrating the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. Just a week ago, he was talking about and reaching out for making change in the world," said Meeks.

"When I think of Barack Obama, first I have to think what made Barack Obama possible. When I think what helped Barack Obama possible, we think about the day before (the inauguration) when we in the United States celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King Junior," he said.

"And when you think of Dr Martin Luther King Junior, you have to think about the man of peace who he said he works about - Mahatma Gandhi. And so, if you look at the connection of India, I can say, you helped build the foundation so that the United States of America can have its 44th President by the name of Barack Obama," Meeks said.