US Emphasizes India's Strategic Importance in the Indo-Pacific

India's Role in the Indo-Pacific Region

During a press briefing on Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commended India's position as a vital ally in the Indo-Pacific area. She also noted the strong rapport between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In response to an inquiry regarding the US perspective on China's influence in the Indo-Pacific, Leavitt stated, "India is a significant ally in the Asia Pacific, and the President maintains a strong relationship with Prime Minister Modi, which will persist." These remarks coincide with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to the United States for the QUAD Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

On the same day, Jaishankar launched an exhibition at the United Nations titled "The Human Cost of Terrorism," aimed at raising awareness about state-sponsored terrorism. The QUAD, comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, is dedicated to fostering an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. This partnership originated from the collaborative humanitarian efforts following the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004.

Previously, on June 18, it was announced that President Trump accepted Prime Minister Modi's invitation to participate in the upcoming QUAD Summit in New Delhi later this year. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri shared insights from a phone conversation between the two leaders during the G7 Summit in Canada.

"For the next QUAD meeting, PM Modi invited President Trump to India. Upon accepting the invitation, President Trump expressed his enthusiasm about visiting India," Misri conveyed in a video message. Leavitt's comments regarding India's significance in the Indo-Pacific followed her response to another question about a potential trade agreement between India and the US.

Leavitt affirmed, "Yes, the President mentioned last week that the US and India are nearing a trade deal, and that remains accurate. I just spoke with our Secretary of Commerce, who was in the Oval Office with the President. They are finalizing these agreements, and you will hear from the President and his trade team very soon regarding India."