‘Very strategic ally’: White House confirms US-India trade deal ‘very shut’; press sec calls Trump-Modi relationship ‘very good’

The White House on Monday reaffirmed the energy of India-US ties, describing India as a “very strategic ally” and hinting {that a} much-anticipated trade deal between the 2 nations may very well be finalised quickly.During a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to questions from reporters in regards to the standing of trade negotiations and US President Donald Trump’s current feedback indicating {that a} deal with India was close to completion.“Yes, the President said that last week, and it remains true. 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 mentioned.Leavitt additionally responded to a query from information company ANI about how President Trump views China’s rising affect within the Indo-Pacific area and its affect on ties with India. “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 mentioned.Her feedback come amid renewed deal with Indo-Pacific partnerships, because the US continues to counter China’s financial and navy assertiveness within the area.While she didn’t supply a selected timeline for the trade deal, Leavitt’s remarks counsel that behind-the-scenes preparations are within the closing levels.