US looks forward to closer ties with 'global power' India

WASHINGTON: After the civil nuclear deal, the United States looks forward to further expanding relations with India in areas ranging from trade to regional security as with any global power or ally.

"Well, obviously India is a large, booming, vital country with a rapidly expanding economy, and we are delighted to be having closer and continuing closer relationships with the government of India and the people of India," White House spokesman Tony Snow said on Friday.

"So there are now before us any number, there is regional security, trade, the normal set of challenges and opportunities that you'd have in dealing with any global power or ally," he added in response to a question about the future of India-US relations beyond the civil nuclear deal.

"But the Indian Civil Nuclear Treaty was obviously a very important signal to the people of India about the intent of this government and the people of the United States. We look forward to India being a closer and closer ally and an increasingly important one," Snow said.

However, he could not say anything about any exchange of visits at this point, though he said he is sure there will continue to be high level contacts.