The historic first meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (IST) in the United States has witnessed several special moments. While this is Modi’s fifth visit to the US, this is the first-time he has gone to the US after Trump took over the reigns as President. The ‘True friends’ Modi and Trump were in their elements. Trump shown special interest in Modi’s visit and took him on guiding tour inside White House’s residence quarters including Lincoln Bedroom.
President Trump declared that ties between Washington and New Delhi had “never been stronger”, “never been better” while Modi described US as its “primary partner” for India’s social and economic transformation in all our flagship programs and schemes.
After an hour-long meeting of the delegates of the two countries, Trump and Modi have issued a joint statement to media at the Rose Garden of the White House.
Highlights
Trump on Trade : I look forward to working with you, Mr. Prime Minister, to create jobs in our countries, to grow our economies, and to create a trading relationship that is fair and reciprocal. It is important that barriers be removed to the export of U.S. goods into your markets, and that we reduce our trade deficit with your country.
I was pleased to learn about an Indian Airlines recent order of 100 new American planes, one of the largest orders of its kind, which will support thousands and thousands of American jobs. We’re also looking forward to exporting more American energy to India as your economy grows, including major long-term contracts to purchase American natural gas, which are right now being negotiated, and we will sign them. Trying to get the price up a little bit.
Trump on Terror : Both our nations have been struck by the evils of terrorism, and we are both determined to destroy terrorist organizations and the radical ideology that drives them. We will destroy radical Islamic terrorism. Our militaries are working every day to enhance cooperation between our military forces. And next month, they will join together with the Japanese navy to take place in the largest maritime exercise ever conducted in the vast Indian Ocean.
Modi on Terror: Today, during our meeting, we discussed the serious challenges of terrorism, extremism, and radicalization, which are the major challenges facing the world today. And we have agreed to enhance our cooperation in fighting against these scourges. Fighting terrorism and doing away with the safe shelters, sanctuaries, and safe havens will be an important part of our cooperation.
With respect to our common concerns on terrorism, we will also enhance our sharing of intelligence, and exchange information to deepen and expand our policy coordination as far as possible.
The increasing instability, due to terrorism, in Afghanistan is one of our common concerns. Both India and America have played an important role in rebuilding Afghanistan and ensuring its security. In order to attain our objectives for peace and stability in Afghanistan, we will maintain close consultation and communication with the U.S. to enhance coordination between our two nations.
Modi on Trade : In this relationship, in both countries, increased productivity, growth, job creation, and breakthrough technologies – an engagement towards all these are, and will remain, strong drivers of our cooperation, and will give further momentum to our relationship.
We consider the USA as our primary partner for India’s social and economic transformation in all our flagship programs and schemes. I am sure that the convergence between my vision for a “new India and President Trump’s vision for “making America great again” will add new dimensions to our cooperation.
I am very clear about the fact that India’s interests lie in a strong, and prosperous, and successful America. In the same way, India’s development and its growing role at the international level are in the USA’s interest. One of our common priorities will be the development of trade, commerce, and investment links. And in this regard, in the technology, innovation, and knowledge-economy sectors, the expansion and deepening of cooperation is also among our priorities. Towards this end, we shall take steps to further strengthen our successful digital partnership.
On parting note, Narendra Modi invited Donald Trump and his family to visit India.
