India Is Strategic Ally of US, Trade Deal Soon: White House

The White House on Monday said that India is a strategic ally of the US and it will finalise the trade deal soon.

During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged India's significant role as a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region and emphasised the strong personal bond between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Leavitt stated, "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."

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is currently visiting the United States for the QUAD Foreign Ministers' Meeting. On Monday, he inaugurated an exhibition at the United Nations titled "The Human Cost of Terrorism." This exhibition aims to highlight state-sponsored terrorism on a global scale.

QUAD's Role in Indo-Pacific

The QUAD alliance, comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, is dedicated to fostering an open and resilient Indo-Pacific region. Its origins date back to their joint humanitarian response following the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Earlier this year, on June 18, it was announced that President Trump accepted Prime Minister Modi's invitation to attend the upcoming QUAD Summit in New Delhi. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri shared insights from their phone conversation during the G7 Summit in Canada.

Trade Relations Between India and US

The White House spokesperson also addressed questions about a potential trade agreement between India and the US. Leavitt confirmed that both nations are nearing a trade deal. "Yes, the President said that last week (that the US and India are very close to a trade deal), and it remains true," she stated.

Leavitt mentioned discussions with the Secretary of Commerce regarding this matter. The Secretary had recently met with President Trump in the Oval Office to finalise these agreements. An announcement from President Trump and his trade team is expected soon.

The comments about India's importance in the Indo-Pacific region were made shortly after addressing another question from ANI about China's influence there. The remarks underscore India's pivotal role as a strategic ally for the United States.

Misri noted in a video message: "For the next meeting of QUAD, PM Modi invited President Trump to India. While accepting the invitation, President Trump said that he is excited to come to India."

This growing partnership highlights India's crucial position within international diplomacy and its strengthening ties with major global powers like the United States.