The White Home on Monday reaffirmed the energy of India-US ties, describing India as a “very strategic ally” and hinting {that a} much-anticipated commerce deal between the 2 nations may very well be finalised quickly.Throughout a press briefing, White Home press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to questions from reporters in regards to the standing of commerce negotiations and US President Donald Trump’s latest feedback indicating {that a} cope with India was close to completion.“Sure, the President mentioned that final week, and it stays true. I simply spoke to our Secretary of Commerce about it. He was within the Oval Workplace with the President. They’re finalising these agreements, and you will hear from the President and his commerce workforce very quickly in the case of India,” Leavitt mentioned.Leavitt additionally responded to a query from information company ANI about how President Trump views China’s rising affect within the Indo-Pacific area and its influence on ties with India. “India stays a really strategic ally within the Asia Pacific and the President has an excellent relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and he’ll proceed to have that,” she mentioned.Her feedback come amid renewed concentrate on Indo-Pacific partnerships, because the US continues to counter China’s financial and army assertiveness within the area.Whereas she didn’t supply a selected timeline for the commerce deal, Leavitt’s remarks counsel that behind-the-scenes preparations are within the remaining phases.