The United States has said, it supports India's emergence as a leading global power and as its key partner in the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking to PTI in Washington, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said, the ties between US and India had never been stronger or better. She was responding to questions on the status of the US-India relationship. Ms Nauert said, the partnership is rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to a rules-based order.

Another State Department spokesperson said, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Jim Mattis were looking forward to hosting their counterparts for the first 'India-US 2+2 Dialogue' this year in Washington. Dates of the dialogue are yet to be announced.

The Indian delegation would be led by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The spokesperson said, the engagement will support Washington's efforts to increase diplomatic, security, and military co-operation with India to confront the most pressing global challenges.