Strong Indo-US ties to strengthen both economies: White House

Strong economic relations between the United States and India can create employment opportunities in both the countries and strengthen their economies, a vision shared by both President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House has said.

"The President believes that more effective cooperation between the two countries can improve the economy in both of our countries, create jobs and promote economic growth. And I know that Prime Minister Modi shares those goals," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters yesterday.

He said Obama has found Modi to be an effective interlocutor and partner in pursuing those goals.

"The President is pleased about the progress that we've made over the first seven and a half years of his presidency, and we're going to spend the remaining five months or so here trying to do all we can to advance it even further," he said.

US Secretary of State John Kerry and the Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker are headed to India next week for the second Strategic and Commercial Dialogue (S&CD).

This is likely to be the last major meeting between India and the outgoing Obama Administration.

During the same days, Defence Minister of India Manohar Parrikar would be in the US for a meeting with his American counterpart, Defence Secretary Ashton Carter.

Obama and Modi are likely to meet in China next month on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit.

However, No formal announcement has been made in this connection yet.

Earnest said Obama has devoted significant time and resources in strengthening the relationship between the United States and India.

"The President has visited India on two occasions, I believe, and each of those trips has been dedicated to strengthening the political relationship between the world's two largest democracies but also trying to strengthen further the economic ties between our two countries," he said in response to a question.