Washington: The United States looks at India as an increasingly 'vital and importantpartner' and ally beyond the civil nuclear deal on matters of security andtrade including the Doharound of world trade talks.

"This is exceedingly important to us," White Housespokesman Tony Snow told sources in response to a question about US-Indiarelations after the civil nuclear agreement.

"We see Indiaas an increasingly vital and important partner, not merely with the civilnuclear agreement, but also on matters of security and trade. As we proceed toward the Doha Round,obviously Indiabecomes a key partner there, as well," he said.

"So we look forward to closer relations in years tocome. We're bound by common interests. India is the largest democracy onthe face of the Earth, and an important - and an increasingly importantally," Snow said.

In a similar vein, state department spokesman Sean McCormacktoo had Monday dilated on theme of how the civil nuclear deal with Indiahas removed an obstacle in the growth of "more full, broader and deeperrelations" between the two countries.

In the remaining two years of Bush administration, he saidSecretary of State Condoleezza Rice would be seeking to build on 'the goodstart' for further cooperation in political, economic as well as diplomaticendeavours.