'Eager for US-India collaboration'

Press: Can the White House confirm the death of Mullah Omar? What can you tell us about the circumstances of his death?

White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz: We are aware of the death - of reports of the death of Mullah Omar. Without commenting on the specifics of these reports, we do believe the reports of his death are credible. Beyond that, I'm not going to be in a position to comment on the specifics surrounding his death.

Press: So if he died in 2013, what would that say about (US) intelligence cooperation with the Pakistanis? When would the US have had this on their radar screen?

Schultz: I can tell you that the intelligence community is looking at these reports and continues to assess the circumstances around his death. But beyond that, I'm not going to be in a position here to speak candidly about what we know at this point. I'm sure that when the IC (intelligence community) has an update, or anything determinative, they'll be in a position to update you.

Press: I appreciate that you were able to semi-confirm his death, saying that the reports are credible - I guess that's almost a confirmation. But if this happened two years ago, is there a problem with American intelligence that we didn't know that he died either by a drone strike or tuberculosis or something, and we're not reporting it until today?

Schultz: I fully appreciate the question. Unfortunately, I'm just not going to be in a position to comment on the specifics of these reports and those circumstances. So it's hard for me to answer that question in some detail without confirming what presupposes that question.

Press: Well, okay, then take out the causes of death, if you would, and just the fact that you believe those are credible reports that he is dead. Those reports also said he died two years ago. Why did the United States intelligence not know about that? That, I don't think, could cause you to comment on the causes of death or anything else. It does ask what's the problem with - is there a problem with our intelligence agencies?

Schultz: I don't think there's a problem. In fact, the intelligence agencies are right now reviewing these reports, reviewing the specific circumstances. And as soon as there's anything definitive that we can share with you, that I suspect you will want to scrutinise, that time would be appropriate. But we're just not in a position to do that today.

Press: Back to Mullah Omar. The BBC reports that the Taliban has been putting out statements in his name as recently as this month. There is a new round of peace talks between the government about Ashraf Ghani (Afghanistan President) and the Taliban set for this Tuesday. Who has the government of Afghanistan been negotiating with, given he's (Omar) been dead for two years now? And what would you recommend for this upcoming round of peace talks?

Schultz: Sure. Well, I appreciate you raising that because we do believe the Taliban has an opportunity to make genuine peace with the Afghan government and rebuild their lives in peace in Afghanistan. They can accept the government of Afghanistan's invitation to join a peace process and ultimately become part of a legitimate political system in Afghanistan, or they can choose to continue fighting Afghans and destabilising their own country. So you are right in suggesting that the United States does continue to support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process as the surest way to end violence in the region.

Press: Two questions. One, recently, the (US) Vice-President (Joe Biden) was addressing Fortune 500 companies from the US and India at the Willard (Hotel) organised by the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) and Carnegie Institutions. Would he lay down the US-India relations (inaudible) - so for US-India civil nuclear agreement? Was he carrying any message from the (US) President (Barack Obama)? Also, there was an announcement that over $15 billion have been invested in the US by Indian companies, creating over 100,000 jobs in the US. My question is, if he was carrying any presidential message and, second, how is the Export-Import Bank playing a role between US-India trade relations?

Schultz: Sure. I think that's a good question. I don't have the specifics on any specific loans or support structures that the Ex-Im has offered American companies, specifically for business in India. But I'm sure my friends and my counterparts at the Ex-Im Bank could get that for you.

I think generally speaking, the reason that Republicans and Democrats support Ex-Im Bank is because it is an engine of economic growth and American jobs for American companies here at home. Generally speaking, in terms of the US-India partnership, which you've referenced, the President is very enthusiastic about the prospect of increased collaboration, increased economic growth for American companies, and investments in India. I think you heard that from his recent trip there a few months ago. But just because he is not over there right now, that doesn't mean we don't have key members of our team working on this. So economic growth across the country remains, across the world, a priority for this President and oftentimes that manifests itself in investments in foreign countries. And India is very high on that list.

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Edited excerpts from a press briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz at the White House, Washington DC, July 29, 2015