The White House has reaffirmed India's role as a "key strategic ally" in the Indo-Pacific region, while also confirming that a long-awaited trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington is "very close" to being announced.

"India remains a very strategic ally in the Asia Pacific, and the President Donald Trump has a very good relationship with Prime Minister Modi, which he will continue to have," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in response to a question from ANI about China's growing presence in the region. She also stated that negotiations for a trade agreement between the two countries are advanced. 

Key Highlights

• White House describes India as a "very strategic ally" and confirms trade deal is nearing announcement.
• Indian side insists agriculture remains non-negotiable, with tariff cuts on auto, steel stalled in talks.

"The President stated last week (that the US and India are very close to a trade agreement), and this remains true. I just spoke with our Secretary of Commerce about this. He was in the Oval Office alongside the President. "They are finalizing these agreements, and you will hear from the President and his trade team very soon about India," Leavitt said.

The Press Secretary's remarks came during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to the United States for the QUAD Foreign Ministers' Meeting. On Monday, Jaishankar also opened the "The Human Cost of Terrorism" exhibition at the United Nations, which highlights the global impact of state-sponsored terrorism.

Also Read: India-US Trade Deal Expected to Be Announced Before July 8

The QUAD, which includes Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, is a strategic diplomatic coalition dedicated to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Last month, Donald Trump stated that Washington is advocating for the complete removal of trade barriers and improved access to Indian markets, though he acknowledged that this may not be entirely possible.

"India, I believe we will reach an agreement under which we will be able to conduct trade. Right now, it is restricted. You can't walk in there, let alone think about it. We are hoping to see a full trade barrier removed, which is unthinkable, and I am not sure that will happen. But as of now, we agree that going to India and trading," the President had said.