Devyani Khobragade case: US softens tone, but still no apology or dropping of charges

Noting that the Indian minister had "talked about how valuable the India-US relationship is, how important it is, how we want to preserve and protect our partnership," she said. "And that's our view, of course, as well."

"Now at the same time we of course are closely engaged with the Government of India, we're in close contact, and we want to move beyond this," Psaki said. "And I think we all recognize the importance of our long-term relationship."

Asked if the US was concerned about possible impact on its economic and trade relationship with India, the spokesperson said "certainly, our trade relationship is vitally important.

"We have a $90 billion bilateral trade partnership with India, and so that's one of the very important components of our comprehensive partnership," she said.

"It is something that we are certainly focused on, and we certainly want our relationship and all the important components to continue."