White House terms India an important ally of US

Washington, Oct 10 (PTI) Describing India as an important
ally of the US, the White House has said the Obama
Administration would work with the country to bring peace in
the South Asian region.

"I think it goes without saying that India is an
important ally," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told
reporters here Friday evening.

The Obama Administration has been very keen to strengthen
and deepen its relationship with India – an emerging regional
and global power.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been given the
honour by US President Barack Obama to be his first
presidential State Guest in late November, indicating the
importance attached to India by the current administration.

"We will have after we get back from our trip to Asia, an
important event here at the White House, the President's first
state dinner," Gibbs said in reference to the visit of Singh
on November 24.

Before the Prime Minister's trip here, Obama is set to
visit four Asian countries -- Japan, Singapore, China and
South Korea -- in November.

"Obviously we continue to be very engaged with the
Indians to bring about peace in obviously an important region
of the world," Gibbs said when asked if Obama, after receiving
the Noble Peace Prize, would work harder than ever for the
global peace, including the Indian sub-continent. PTI LKJ
ANU