Donald Trump invites PM Narendra Modi to visit US later this year

Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi/Washington, January 25

Describing India as a “true friend” of the US, President Donald Trump invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the country later this year, the White House said on Wednesday after both leaders spoke over phone and discussed issues such as trade, defence and terrorism.

Trump spoke to Modi on Tuesday night, four days after he was sworn in as the 45th President of America.

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“During a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, President Trump emphasised that the US considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world,” the White House said in a readout of the call.

“President Trump looked forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi in the US later this year,” the White House said.

The two leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen the partnership between the US and India in broad areas such as the economy and defence.

Besides, they also discussed security in the region of South and Central Asia. Trump and Modi resolved that the US and India stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the global fight against terrorism, the readout said.

After Trump surprised the world with his historic victory in the November 8 general elections, Modi was among the first five world leaders to congratulate Trump.

During his gruelling election campaign, India is among the few countries in addition to Israel with whom Trump spoke of strengthening ties if elected to power.

On January 21, Trump spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican Premier Pena Nieto.

On Sunday, Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and on Monday he had a telephonic conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

Modi also invited Trump to visit India during his conversation last night. “Had warm conversation with Trump. We agreed to work closely in the coming days to further strengthen our bilateral ties,” said the prime minister. With PTI