White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised India as an important US partner in the Indo-Pacific on Monday. She also highlighted the strong bond between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India is a Strategic Ally
While responding to a question about China’s influence in the region, 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.”
Jaishankar Visits US for QUAD Meeting
At the same time, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is visiting the United States. He is attending the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. On Monday, he also opened a UN exhibition titled The Human Cost of Terrorism. This event aims to raise global awareness about state-sponsored terrorism.
QUAD’s Role and Background
The QUAD is a group formed by the United States, India, Australia, and Japan. It focuses on maintaining a free, peaceful, and stable Indo-Pacific region. The group started in 2004 after the Indian Ocean tsunami as a coordinated humanitarian response.
Trump Accepts Modi’s Invitation to QUAD Summit
Earlier, on June 18, Trump accepted Prime Minister Modi’s invitation to attend the upcoming QUAD Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders had a phone conversation during the G7 Summit in Canada.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed this in a video message. He said, “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.”
Trade Deal Discussions Continue
Leavitt also addressed a question about a possible trade deal between India and the US. She confirmed that both sides are close to an agreement.
“Yes, the President said that last week (that the US and India are very close to a trade deal), 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,” she said.
