Going beyond the recent controversy over President Barack Obama’s comments on India’s religious tolerance, the White House has said that Obama remains committed to boosting US-India economic and trade relations in a way that benefits both economies.
“There is an opportunity for us to try to advance the interests of both our countries by working together and by coordinating our efforts,” White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters while responding to questions on the Obama visit and follow-up action.
“The President is certainly committed to that, again, in part, because the substantial economic benefits that could be enjoyed by the American people. And that ultimately is his goal,” he said.
Asked to comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to US companies to participate in his “Make in India” plan, Earnest said President Obama, too, holds discussions on the need for “Made in America” products that would be good not only for the US economy, but also Indian consumers wanting to buy American goods.
Earnest recalled that during the New Delhi visit, Obama and Modi “spent a lot of time talking about some of these economic issues” and “our trade relationship with India”. He spoke of the CEOs summit, during which Obama himself sat down with them and discussed the challenges of doing more business in a way that benefits the economies and job creation in both countries.
Responding to another question, Earnest mentioned Obama’s endorsement of India’s bid to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council as part of important reforms to the working of the world body. He, however, did not have an update on the status of the UN reforms.