Pompeo pushes India for access to local markets, says US 'open' to discuss trade issues

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has pushed for India to further open its economy and also "diversify" its energy portfolio, saying countries that have provided American companies access to their local markets have seen "real opportunity".

Speaking at the India Ideas Summit of US-India Business Council here Wednesday, ahead of his visit to New Delhi later this month, he also said America is "open" to dialogue on trade issues. He added countries that have allowed US firms to have a "fair and reciprocal trade", have seen America open up to them. "And I think they've seen real opportunity."

The top American diplomat's remarks have come amid trade-related frictions between the US and several other countries, including Mexico, India and China.

US President Donald Trump has been pursuing his trade policies aggressively and imposed tariffs on China, hitting billions of dollars of import of Chinese products.

The US media Friday reported that India could be his next target.

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