Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid special emphasis on the growing camaraderie between India and the United States even as he addressed the media jointly with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House here on Monday.
Praising the U.S. as a valued partner in India's flagship programmes, Prime Minister Modi asserted that eliminating safe havens of terror and bring stability to Afghanistan was the major priority of both nations.
"Both - India and the U.S. - are global engines of growth. We held talks on a wide range of issues pertaining to the India-U.S. relations. We consider the U.S. a valued partner in our flagship programmes. Trade, commerce and investment are the key areas. Technology, innovation and knowledge are also areas we are actively looking at," Prime Minister Modi said.
"Eliminating terrorism is among the topmost priorities for us. We discussed the problems and challenges arising due to terrorism, extremism and radicalisation. We also agreed to eradicate terrorism and destroy the safe havens of terror."
"We are concerned with the instability in Afghanistan arising out of the recent spate of terror attacks. The U.S. and India have played a significant role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. For further maintaining peace and stability in Afghanistan, we will continue to maintain coordination and communication with the U.S.," he added.
Further citing that India's interest lies in a strong America, Prime Minister Modi said, "My visit and our talks will mark a very important page in the history of cooperation and collaboration between the two nations. My visison of 'New India' and President Trump's vision of 'Make America Great Again' shows convergence of ideas that will open up new avenues for people of both countries."
"I laud President Trump's commitment towards strong India-U.S. bilateral relations. I believe under his leadership, our mutual beneficiary strategic partnership will strengthen. We have resolved to enhance the maritime security cooperation between the two countries," he added.
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Thanking Trump and the First Lady, Melania, again for the grand welcome rendered to him, Prime Minister Modi said, "I would like to thank President Trump for his kind words about India. And I would like to welcome him and his family for a visit to India."
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi sat down for delegation-level talks with Trump in the Cabinet Room at the White House.
During the delegation-level meeting, the two leaders touched upon various topics ranging from purchase of military equipment to the bilateral relations between the two nations.
Welcoming the Indian delegation, Trump said, "It's a great honour to have Mr. Narendra Modi here, who has been such a great a prime minister. We have had a lot of discussions already," adding, "the relations between the U.S. and India are very strong and powerful."
Trump struck upon the topic of purchase of military equipment, in reference to the recent F16 joint production deal.
"Thank you for ordering equipment from the U.S.. No one makes military equipment like the U.S.," he said.
Prime Minister Modi added, "The U.S., being the oldest democracy of the world, and India, being the largest democracy, will come together to change the world and bring peace."
Trump extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi even as he, along with First Lady Melania, received him at the White House earlier in the day.
Heaping praises on Prime Minister Modi, Trump said that he had been reading a lot about him and that he would want to congratulate him for the exemplary leadership he has shown, primarily, economically.
Prime Minister Modi, while thanking Trump for the warm welcome rendered to him, said the kind of welcome he was given, it was a welcome to the 125 crore people of India.