 "White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks to members of the media, in the briefing room at the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Friday. Reuters")
The White House on Monday reaffirmed the strong ties between India and the United States, describing India as “a key strategic ally” and indicating that a long-awaited trade deal could be finalised soon and that negotiations are “very close” to reaching an agreement.
At a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke about ongoing trade talks with India and referred to President Donald Trump’s recent comments suggesting that the agreement is close to being completed.
“Yes, the President said that last week, and it remains true,” Leavitt said. “I just spoke to our Secretary of Commerce about it. He was in the Oval Office with the President. They are finalising these agreements, and you’ll hear from the President and his trade team very soon when it comes to India.”
Leavitt also responded to a question from the press about how President Trump views China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific and its impact on US-India relations.
“India remains a very strategic ally in the Asia-Pacific, and the President has a very good relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and he will continue to have that,” she said.
The reaffirmation of strong ties with India comes as the United States continues to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific to maintain a balance of power amid growing regional tensions.