The White House reaffirmed U.S. President Donald Trump’s admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his commitment to deepening India-U.S. relations, saying the two leaders share a strong rapport and speak “pretty frequently.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, addressing reporters on Tuesday, said President Trump “feels very positive and strongly” about the bilateral relationship. “I know the President has great respect for Prime Minister Modi, and they speak pretty frequently,” she noted.

Leavitt pointed to recent developments, including the appointment of Sergio Gor as the next U.S. Ambassador to India and Trump’s Diwali celebration at the White House, as clear signs of the administration’s dedication to strengthening ties with New Delhi.

“He recently spoke to the Prime Minister directly during the Diwali celebration in the Oval Office with senior Indian American officials,” Leavitt said. “We have a great U.S. Ambassador to India in Mr. Sergio Gor, who will represent our country very well.”

The October 21 Diwali event, hosted by Trump, featured several high-profile attendees including Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The President described Modi as “a great person” and expressed affection for “the people of India.”

Lighting a traditional diya, Trump called it “a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness,” extending his “warmest wishes to the people of India.”

On economic relations, Leavitt added that the President and his trade team remain in “serious discussions” with their Indian counterparts to advance bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

The statement reflects the continued emphasis on India as a key strategic and economic partner for the United States under the Trump administration.