Trump and Modi hail friendship
> US-India ties ‘have never been stronger’
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embraced each other as friends and partners on Monday, pledging their quest for economic growth would strengthen rather than undermine ties between the world’s two largest democracies.
While Trump’s relations with some traditional allies had a rocky start, he and Modi appeared to strike up an immediate rapport in their first meeting, exchanging hugs in the White House Rose Garden in front of reporters.
Any differences over issues such as immigration and climate change were kept behind closed doors and they instead vowed to work more closely on combatting terrorism, the war in Afghanistan and defence cooperation.
While there were no major announcements, Trump’s administration confirmed it had given the green light to the sale of a transport carrier to India, along with a separate purchase of around 20 drones.
“I would say the relationship between India and the US has never been stronger, has never been better,” Trump told a beaming Modi as they made statements.
After Trump said it was “important that barriers be removed to the export of US goods into your markets and that we reduce our trade deficit with your country”, Modi said India was becoming an easier place for American companies to do business.
“We consider the United States as our primary partner in India’s socio-economic transformation in all our flagship programmes and schemes.
“I’m sure that convergence between my vision for a new India and President Trump’s vision for ‘Making America Great Again’ will add a new dimension to our cooperation,” added Modi, in reference to Trump’s signature campaign slogan.
Commentators had predicted that Trump and Modi would find much in common, with both men having won power by portraying themselves as establishment outsiders.
Both are prolific users of social media, something Trump joked about with Modi.
“We’re believers, giving the people ... the opportunity to hear directly from their elected officials and for us to hear directly from them,” said Trump.
Their warm words extended into the evening, when Modi became the first foreign leader to enjoy a White House dinner since Trump came to power.
“We enjoy a wonderful relationship, but it’s never been better than it is today,” Trump told his dinner guest. – Reuters