US President Donald Trump has invited India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the United States later this year, after the two spoke over the phone, on Tuesday.
The conversation took place at 11:30 pm IST, that is 1 pm in Washington.
Washington said Trump saw India as a “true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world”, reported.
“The two discussed opportunities to strengthen the partnership between the US and India in broad areas such as the economy and defence,” it said.
The White House said it looked forward to welcoming Modi later this year.
The US statement added that Trump and Modi resolved to “stand shoulder to shoulder in the global fight against terrorism”.
During the US election campaign, Trump was largely positive about India. He praised Modi for championing bureaucratic reform and economic growth.
During his election campaign, Trump had mentioned India as the only other nation besides Israel, with which he wanted to strengthen ties.
Expressing personal admiration for Modi, Trump had called him a “great man” who was “very energetic in reforming India’s bureaucracy”.
Trump also said he had “great confidence” in India. “Generations of Indian and Hindu Americans have strengthened our country…your values of hard work, education and enterprise have truly enriched our nation.”
