Washington: US President Donald Trump holds “great respect” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and maintains regular contact with him, the White House confirmed on Tuesday, underscoring the strength of India-US relations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the President “feels very positive and strongly” about the bilateral partnership. “I know the President has great respect for Prime Minister Modi, and they speak pretty frequently,” she noted.
Leavitt cited the recent Diwali celebration at the White House and the appointment of Sergio Gor as the next US Ambassador to India as signs of Trump’s commitment to the relationship. “He recently, a few weeks back, spoke to the Prime Minister directly when he celebrated Diwali in the Oval Office with many high-ranking Indian American officials here at the White House,” she added.
The October 21 event featured prominent figures including Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, FBI Director Kash Patel, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and members of the Indian diaspora business community. President Trump lit a traditional diya, calling it “a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness” and extended his “warmest wishes to the people of India”.
On trade, Leavitt confirmed that Trump and his team are engaged in very “serious discussions” with Indian counterparts, signalling ongoing efforts to deepen economic ties.
(Inputs from IANS)