'US-India ties strengthened during Obama's tenure'

Washington, Jan 11: Relations between the US and India strengthened during the eight years of outgoing President Barack Obama's tenure, State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner said, while stating that the upcoming administration was also recognising the importance of India in global issues.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Toner also praised the work of US Ambassador to India Richard Verma, saying that he has done a tremendous job.

"I think that US-India relations have been strengthened throughout these past eight years of the Obama Administration. It's obviously a key - a core relationship for the United States. And I think in terms of where that relationship goes, the sky's the limit, both economically, security, what have you," Toner said.

Toner further said that even US President-elect Donald Trump has commented on the importance that India has, "not just in the region but in the global mix."

"India is resource-rich. It's playing an outsized role in global issues. And so I think we're going to continue to work hard to strengthen that relationship going forward, no matter who's President," added Toner.