White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer's comment assuring the strong relations between India and the US in future, comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the new US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last week.

Mr Spicer said that the two leaders had a great conversation last week on phone. During this conversation, President Trump invited PM Modi to visit the United States later this year.

The White House said that the two leaders spoke on strengthening the defence partnership between the US and India. President Trump considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world, said the White House while addressing the media.

During the presidential election campaign, Trump had spoken of strengthening ties with India if elected to power. The significance of India-US partnership was reflected in the fact that President Trump called PM Modi before he spoke with important allies like Britain, Germany and Japan.

PM Modi had built a strong rapport with former US President Barack Obama, too.