WASHINGTON, March 22: The United States has rejected speculations that the denial of visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi could jeopardize Washington’s relations with New Delhi. “It is a specific case dealing with a specific visit. It has nothing to do with bilateral relations. It has nothing to do with our partnership and good friendship with India,” State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli told a briefing on Monday afternoon. “It is a technical matter related to a visa application.”

Mr Ereli disagreed with the suggestion that the dispute had overshadowed US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s visit to India. “Ms Rice did have an excellent visit to India. Secretary Rice and the prime minister and foreign minister were able to talk about all aspects of what is a strengthening relationship between the United States and India and we look forward to taking that relationship to an even greater strategic partnership,” he said.

Mr Ereli said it was also wrong to suggest that the US decision to revoke Mr Modi’s visa could spoil America’s relations with his Bharatiya Janata Party.

“To the contrary, what I will tell you is that we are deeply appreciative of the role that both the BJP and the Vajpayee government have played in opening the way for positive transformation of US-Indian relations.”