Barack Obama had a historic visit to India, says US' Deputy NSA

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama had a historic visit to India early this year as part of his efforts to deepen America's partnership with India in the Asia Pacific region, a presidential aide has said.

"President Obama had a good trip to India earlier this year, an historic visit, as the Chief Guest at Republic Day, where he discussed, obviously, the climate change effort, but also deepening our own relationship and partnership with India in the Asia Pacific," said Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor.

Rhodes was speaking to reporters yesterday during a conference call ahead of the US visit of the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.

"This of course is an area that Prime Minister Abe has also discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in terms of their collaboration in the region, as well," Rhodes said in response to a question.

"So many of the different partnerships that we are forging across the region have been mutually reinforcing, and we believe can contribute to the stability and prosperity of the broader region," Rhodes said.

Abe arrives in US next week on a state visit. Obama would host him for a state dinner at the White House on Tuesday.

During his trip, Abe would be visiting Boston, Washington, San Francisco and Los Angeles.