Obama deeply values his relationship with Modi: White House

President Barack Obama deeply values his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two leaders have a strong partnership specifically on expanding economic opportunities, the White House has said.

"I can tell you that the President deeply values his relationship with Prime Minister Modi; that the United States and India have worked together very closely," White House Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz told reporters yesterday at his daily news conference.

"They have a strong partnership specifically on expanding economic opportunities. That's something the President has worked hard on," he said in response to a question.

"He's directed his team here at the White House and throughout the administration to focus on our relationship there and seek opportunities to expand cooperation," Schultz said.