Picture : Twitter / ANI
Describing Indo-United States relations as “one of the most important partnerships” of the 21st century, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said increasing the bilateral defence and security cooperation is a very key aspect of this relationship.
Addressing a joint press meet with US President Donald Trump after their comprehensive talks on key issues, including trade, counter-terror and energy cooperation, Modi said as far as bilateral trade is concerned, there have been positive talks between the two commerce ministers.
“President Trump and I have agreed that our teams will give a legal shape to the understanding that our commerce ministers have reached. We have also agreed to start negotiations for a big trade deal. We hope that it will yield good results in mutual interest,” the PM said.
Asserting that the cooperation between India and the US was based on their common democratic values and objectives, he said this cooperation for rule based international order, especially in Indo-Pacific and global commons.
“Both of us agree on the importance of sustainable and transparent financing in the development of connectivity infrastructure in the world. Our mutual understanding is not only in each other’s but the world’s interest,” Modi said, adding that the two countries have decided to take Indo-US ties to the comprehensive global partnership level.
US President Donald Trump said India and the US have expanded their defence cooperation with agreements for New Delhi to purchase more than $3 billion of advanced American military equipment, including Apache and MH-60 Romeo helicopters — the finest in the world.
He also noted that he had met Trump five times in last eight months.
In his brief remarks at the start of official talks, Modi welcomed the US president and said that he had made “invaluable contribution” to taking the ties between the two countries to this level.
