White House calls India a key Indo-Pacific ally, praises Modi-Trump ties, and hints at a major US-India trade deal nearing finalization amid growing regional focus on China.

While speaking on the India-US trade deal, the White House said Trump shares a "very good relationship" with Modi and the agreement is nearing completion.

India has also urged the US to cancel all current and upcoming retaliatory tariffs, including a 26 per cent duty, made up of a 10 per cent charge already in effect since April 5 and an additional 16 per cent set to begin on July 9.