New Delhi, Sept. 6 -- West Asia strategist Waiel Awwad on Saturday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response to US President Donald Trump's praise of India-US ties as a "positive statement", while also emphasising the need for cautious optimism in light of past policy decisions.

Reacting to PM Modi's recent post on X, where he "deeply appreciated and fully reciprocated" Trump's affirmation of the India-US ties, Awwad highlighted the enduring significance of India for the United States, both strategically and economically.

"The US cannot ignore India. President Trump (and PM Modi) have a good relationship... There is also a huge diaspora of Indians in the US. When the President of the US addresses them, he wants to send a message to...