White House calls India a "vital ally"

Washington, June 20 (UNI) As the controversial remarks by Presidential hopeful Barack Obama about India continue to draw sharp media reactions, the issue found a mention in the White House press briefing last night.

White House spokesman Tony Snow underlined the importance of Indo-US relations and dismissed all notions of underestimating the very crucial relations between New Delhi and Washington.

He said, '' The United States looks upon India as the world's largest democracy, as an important and vital ally in a whole host of things -- regional security, global trade, climate change.'' Commenting on Obama campaign statement on India and Indian Americans, he said, ''The role or importance of India is not to be understated. We are glad that relations between the two nations continue to draw closer.'' Though Senator Obama did not directly say anything against India but his campaign handlers made these controversial remarks for which the Democratic presidential candidate had already apologized, he cleared.

Yesterday, Obama termed his campaign memo's controversial remarks about rival Hillary Clinton and her ties with India ''stupid'' and ''caustic''. He made it clear that they were not his views and said he was unaware of how his campaign managers had put it out.

''I have always maintained a longstanding support and friendship with the Indo-American community. These remarks did not reflect my view on the complicated issue of outsourcing...,'' he stated.

UNI