Washington, Nov 19 (IANS): US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby has reiterated that India remains and will remain Washington's key partner and strong bilateral relations will also continue.

While responding to a question on Friday regarding India-US relations under Washington's new President-elect Donald Trump who will take office on January 20, 2017, Kirby said: "What happens after the inauguration of our new President is really for the new administration to speak to. But there's no question that India remains and will remain a key partner... And strong bilateral relations will need to continue."

"We greatly value and respect the relationship we have with India today and the one that we have worked very, very hard at improving and strengthening," the spokesperson added.

"We are going to stay completely focused on that for the remainder of this Obama administration," Kirby said

Regarding the appointment of India's new Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna, Kirby said: " We welcome the new ambassador and we look forward to working closely with him as he settles into his new duties."