Newly appointed US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, had telephonic conversation for the first time on Tuesday night and the two leaders swapped invitations during what was described as a warm conversation.
President Trump “emphasised that the US considers India a ‘true friend’ and partner in addressing challenges around the world”, the White House said in readout of the call.
President Trump has invited PM Modi to visit the US later this year. In tweets this morning, the Prime Minister said he had also invited the US President to India.
Had a warm conversation with President @realDonaldTrump late last evening.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2017
Have also invited President Trump to visit India.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2017
PM Modi is the fifth world leader that President Trump has called since taking office on Friday. The phone call took place around 11.30 pm (1:00 pm ET).
ALSO READ: Nikki Haley is the US Ambassador to the UN
The two discussed opportunities to strengthen US and India’s partnership in broad areas such as the economy and defense, the White House said, adding, “President Trump looked forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi in the United States later this year.”
President @realDonaldTrump and I agreed to work closely in the coming days to further strengthen our bilateral ties.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2017
Both leaders also discussed security in the region of South and Central Asia and “resolved to stand shoulder to shoulder in the global fight against terrorism,” said the US statement.
ALSO READ: R-Day: Pak terrorist may sneak into India with Afghan IDs; Intel Agencies on high alert
Earlier during US Presidential election campaign, in an EXCLUSIVE interview to NewsMobile Editor-in-Chief Saurabh Shukla, President Trump said that he is going to work with Prime Minister Narendra Modi against terrorism.
Watch the whole interview here:
PM Modi was among the first to congratulate President Trump after his stunning November election win, saying he appreciated his “friendship” with India.
President Trump, whose “Buy American, Hire American” policy and plans to clamp down on H-1B visas has caused some unease in the Indian IT industry, has so far been positive about India.