No major achievement for India in Modi's much hyped US visit except hugs
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WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embraced each other as friends and partners Monday, pledging their quest for economic growth would strengthen rather than undermine ties between the world s two largest democracies.
Both called on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries, a statement from the White House said.
Trump and Modi also “called on all nations to resolve territorial and maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law,” the statement said.
Addressing a small audience at the White House following a bilateral meeting with senior members of their administrations, Trump said both the US and India have been affected by the “evils of terrorism” and the “radical ideology that drives them.”
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 defense cooperation.
While there were no major announcements, Trump s administration confirmed it had given the green light to the $366 million 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 United States has never been stronger, has never been better," Trump told a beaming Modi as they made statements.
"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."
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 programs and schemes," he added.
"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.
New strength
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 men are prolific users of social media, something Trump joked about with his guest.
"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.
Modi in turn made Trump smile by hailing the property tycoon s reputation as dealmaker.
"I m sure that... your vast and successful experience in the business world will lend an aggressive and bold agenda to our relations."
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 Modi at the dinner.
While ties with some allies have been strained by Trump s complaints that Washington has been the loser in trade agreements, Modi appears sensitive to his host s emphasis on transactional diplomacy.
India is currently the world s fastest growing major economy, a status that Modi is hoping to cement by drawing in more foreign investment -- in part by encouraging manufacturers to do business in Asia s third-largest economy.
