New Delhi, November 1: US Ambassador to India Kenneth Ian Juster on Thursday said that President Donald Trump's visit to India was cancelled only due to "scheduling issue".
"It's completely a scheduling issue. Right now there is no Speaker of the House that has even been selected," Juster told ANI on the sidelines of the South Asia Regional Connectivity Conference 2018.
Earlier on October 30, the White House confirmed that the US President would not attend India's Republic Day celebrations due to "scheduling constraints". India Wants to Have Trade Deal with U.S. to Avoid Tariffs: Donald Trump.
"President Trump was honored by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India's Republic Day on January 26, 2019, but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a statement from White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders read.
"The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi, developed through two meetings and several phone calls, and remains committed to deepening the U.S.-India strategic partnership. The President very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity," the statement added.