In a recent press briefing held on Monday (US local time), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt lauded India’s role as a key strategic ally in the Indo-Pacific region. She also emphasized the close personal rapport between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Responding to a question from ANI regarding China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific, Leavitt remarked, “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.”
Leavitt’s remarks underscored the Biden administration’s continuing recognition of India’s geopolitical importance, particularly amid growing global concerns over China’s assertiveness in the region.
She also addressed the potential for a bilateral trade deal between the US and India. When asked about the ongoing discussions, Leavitt confirmed, “Yes, the President said last week that the US and India are very close to a trade deal, and that 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.”
These comments come at a time when Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is in the United States to participate in the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. On Monday, Jaishankar inaugurated a UN exhibition titled “The Human Cost of Terrorism”, aimed at drawing international attention to the issue of state-sponsored terrorism.
The QUAD—a strategic grouping comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia—was initially formed in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and has since evolved into a key platform to promote a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.
Reinforcing the importance of the alliance, it was earlier confirmed on June 18 that President Trump accepted Prime Minister Modi’s invitation to attend the upcoming QUAD Summit in New Delhi later this year. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri revealed details of their phone conversation held during the G7 Summit in Canada.
“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,” Misri shared in a video message.
The reaffirmation of the US-India partnership, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, signals a strengthening of diplomatic, economic, and security ties at a time of growing strategic competition in the region.
