NEW YORK: US relations with India are "strong" despite the recent "turbulence" and talks to resolve differences over trade and Russian oil purchases are "incredibly productive", according to a senior State Department official.
"We have differences, and it's been clear, " the official said on Wednesday (local time).
"Over the last few weeks, we've been working through some differences, particularly when it comes to trade and the purchase of Russian oil." "Those conversations have been incredibly productive, " the official said.
The nomination of Sergio Gor, "one of the closest people to the President", the official said, "shows the importance the president puts on this relationship".
Gor played an important role in Trump's election campaign and was the director of the presidential personnel office, which helps select political appointees for the administration and vets them.
Trump also named him his special envoy for South and Central Asia
The official clarified that Gor's primary job is as ambassador, and it will be with the State Department, while he will be on call with Trump when he wants him to engage with any of the 13 countries in the region.
"He will be (working) out of the State Department, " the official said.