Washington: The United States government is aware of media reports that diamond jeweller Nirav Modi is in the country but is unable to confirm them, a state department official said on Thursday.

“We are aware of recent media reports that Nirav Modi is in the United States but cannot confirm them,” the spokesperson said when asked about reports that the Indian businessman is in New York.

Asked if the department is providing any assistance to the Indian government in tracing Modi, the spokesperson said, “We refer you to the department of justice for questions on legal assistance to the Indian authorities in relation to their investigation of Modi.”