Fight against terrorism top most priority of India & US says Modi

India and the United States today agreed to enhance cooperation in fighting the menace of terrorism, extremism and radicalisation. In a joint press statement at the White House following delegation level talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump reiterated their commitment to eliminate terrorism and their safe havens. Mr Modi said, the two countries will enhance intelligence exchange in respect of terrorist organisations.

Mr Modi said, India considers US a valued partner in its flagship programmes. He said, trade, commerce, investment are key areas of cooperation. The Prime Minister said, the convergence between his vision of New India and President Trump’s vision of Make America Great Again will open new vistas of cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Modi described today’s talks as an important chapter in Indo-US bilateral relations. He said, the two countries have agreed to enhance maritime security cooperation. He said, peace and stability in the Indo- Pacific region



is main aim of strategic cooperation between the two countries.

In his address, US President Donald Trump said, both the US and India have been affected by the evils of terrorism and the radical ideology that drives them. Mr Trump said, the relations between the two countries have never been so stronger and better. He said, India has a true friend in the White House.

President Trump also hosted a dinner in the honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the occasion, Mr Modi presented the US President a folio containing an original commemorative postal stamp issued by India in 1965 on the death centenary of former US President Abraham Lincoln.

The stamp honoured the memory of a great American President and symbolized closeness of the ideals for which Lincoln stood and which guided Mahatma Gandhi. President Trump gave Mr Modi a guided tour of President’s residence quarters in White House including bedroom of former President Lincoln.