Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump made an “immense personal contribution” to strengthening the relationship between the two countries during his first term, and both sides will “work with more speed” during his second term.
President Trump called the Prime Minister a “great friend of mine.”
The two leaders met for the first time since President Trump’s return to the White House for a second non-consecutive term, displaying evident warmth, friendship, and familiarity. They referred to their close relationship and how they plan to use it to advance India-U.S. ties.
“You’ve made an immense personal contribution toward strengthening our relations, making them more comprehensive, and achieving unprecedented heights,” Prime Minister Modi said through a translator, referring to the President’s first term and the progress made in the relationship.
“I firmly believe that in your second term, we will work with even more speed.”
The Prime Minister also noted that, like President Trump, he prioritizes his country’s national interests.
“One thing that I deeply appreciate, and I have learned from President Trump, is that he keeps the national interest supreme. Like him, I also keep India’s national interest above everything else.”
President Trump outlined the agenda for their talks, demonstrating his focus on America’s national interests in discussions with the Prime Minister.
“They’re going to be purchasing a lot of our oil and gas. We have more oil and gas than any other country in the world by far, and they need it, and we have it. We’re going to talk about trade, we’re going to talk about many things, but it’s really an honor to see you, and you have been my friend for a long time,” Trump said.
Senior Trump administration officials, in a briefing before the meeting, told reporters that both sides would resume work on a trade deal and aim to conclude it by 2025.
“I am delighted to see you back in the White House. I congratulate you on behalf of 140 crore people of India. The people of India have given me an opportunity to serve as Prime Minister for a third time. In this term, I have the opportunity to work with President Trump once again for the next four years, and it is a great pleasure. From my past experience of working with you in your first term, I can say that we will continue to advance the India-U.S. strategic partnership with the same bond, trust, and excitement,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the ‘Howdy Modi’ and ‘Namaste Trump’ events.
“I am happy that as soon as I entered this room, my friend reminded me of Ahmedabad and the cricket stadium where we held a big rally. The events we organized in Ahmedabad—’Namaste Trump’—and in Houston—’Howdy Modi’—continue to resonate in India and across the world,” he said.
— IANS
