The White House has said the civilian nuclear agreement with India is "exceedingly important" to the United States even as it increasingly sees New Delhi as a "vital and important" partner in matters such as Doha Round of trade talks.
".... This is exceedingly important to us (the civilian nuclear agreement). We see India as an increasingly vital and important partner, not merely with the civil nuclear agreement, but also on matters of security and trade. As we proceed toward the Doha Round, obviously India becomes a key partner there, as well" White House Spokesman Tony Snow said in response to a question at his briefing on Tuesday.
"So we look forward to closer relations in years to come. We're bound by common interests. India is the largest democracy on the face of the Earth, and an important -- and an increasingly important ally," he added.