"There's an opportunity. India's a perfect example of where the (Defence) secretary wants to find and build relationships with partners, and so that's what we are doing," White said.

India is a key player in President Donald Trump's South Asia Strategy, the Pentagon has said.

"Our relationship with India is multifaceted. India is helping with respect to the South Asian Strategy. They've provided a tremendous amount of developmental aid. They've also offered to help with aviation maintenance," Pentagon's Chief Spokesperson, Dana White, told reporters at a news conference yesterday.

She was responding to questions on India's role in fight against terrorism.

"There's an opportunity. India's a perfect example of where the (Defence) secretary wants to find and build relationships with partners, and so that's what we are doing. And with respect to the South Asia Strategy, they are a key player in ensuring its success," White said.