In a balancing act, the United States termed its relationship with India as "strategic and important" while calling Pakistan a "treasured friend and ally".

The views of the Obama Administration about Pakistan and India came in two back to back press conferences at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department in response to queries related to the Asian neighbours.

Special US Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke, said the Obama Administration views Pakistan as a "treasured friend and ally" which is in a situation where American support is called for.

Soon afterwards, Ian Kelly, State Department spokesman, said at his daily press briefing that "our relationship with India is strategic and important".

"We are conducting our assistance with Pakistan in a very open and transparent way in general, with the public, with the media and with important strategic partners like India," Kelly said when asked about New Delhi's concerns about US aid to Pakistan.