Newsroom24x7 Staff

Washington DC: The US President Donald Trump today said that the security partnership between the United States and India is incredibly important. Both nations have been struck by the evils of terrorism, and are both determined to destroy terrorist organizations and the radical ideology that drives them.

“We will destroy radical Islamic terrorism”, said Trump.

Trump made this remark while delivering a Joint statement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his statement Modi said that they discussed the serious challenges of terrorism, extremism, and radicalization, which are the major challenges facing the world today. Both countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in fighting against these scourges. Fighting terrorism and doing away with the safe shelters, sanctuaries, and safe havens will be an important part of our cooperation, underscored the Prime Minister.

Remarks by US President Donald Trump

Delivering his remarks, Trump said that the US and Indian militaries are working every day to enhance cooperation between the military forces, Trump said adding next month, they will join together with the Japanese navy for the largest maritime exercise ever conducted in the vast Indian Ocean.

The US President thanked the Indian people for their contributions to the effort in Afghanistan, and for joining the US in applying new sanctions against the North Korean regime. The North Korean regime is causing tremendous problems and is something that has to be dealt with, and probably dealt with rapidly, he pointed out.

Working together, the US and India can set an example for many other nations, make great strides in defeating common threats, and make great progress in unleashing amazing prosperity and growth, the US President observed.

Trump said that he was thrilled to salute Prime Minister Modi, and the Indian people for all that they have accomplished together. The accomplishments have been vast, he said adding India has the fastest growing economy in the world. “We hope we’re going to be catching you very soon in terms of percentage increase, I have to tell you that. We’re working on it” he emphasised.

During his campaign (presidential), Trump said that he had pledged that if elected, India would have a true friend in the White House. And that is now exactly what India has — a true friend. The friendship between the United States and India is built on shared values, including shared commitment to democracy. Not many people know it, but both American and the Indian constitutions begin with the same three very beautiful words: “We the people”, he went to underscore.

I’m proud to announce to the media, to the American people, and to the Indian people, that Prime Minister Modi and I are world leaders in social media — (laughter) — we’re believers — giving the citizens of our countries the opportunity to hear directly from their elected officials, and for us to hear directly from them. I guess it’s worked very well in both cases. -President Trump

Trump further said:

“In just two weeks, you will begin to implement the largest tax overhaul in your country’s history — we’re doing that also, by the way — creating great new opportunities for your citizens. You have a big vision for improving infrastructure, and you are fighting government corruption, which is always a grave threat to democracy.

I look forward to working with you, Mr. Prime Minister, to create jobs in our countries, to grow our economies, and to create a trading relationship that is fair and reciprocal. It is important that barriers be removed to the export of U.S. goods into your markets, and that we reduce our trade deficit with your country.

I was pleased to learn about an an Indian Airlines recent order of 100 new American planes, one of the largest orders of its kind, which will support thousands and thousands of American jobs. We’re also looking forward to exporting more American energy to India as your economy grows, including major long-term contracts to purchase American natural gas, which are right now being negotiated, and we will sign them. Trying to get the price up a little bit.

To further our economic partnership, I’m excited to report that the Prime Minister has invited my daughter, Ivanka, to lead the U.S. delegation to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India this fall. And I believe she has accepted.”

I’m proud to announce to the media, to the American people, and to the Indian people, that Prime Minister Modi and I are world leaders in social media — (laughter) — we’re believers — giving the citizens of our countries the opportunity to hear directly from their elected officials, and for us to hear directly from them. I guess it’s worked very well in both cases.”

Remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Focussing on common concerns on terrorism, Modi said: “we will also enhance our sharing of intelligence, and exchange information to deepen and expand our policy coordination as far as possible.”

On regional issues

The increasing instability, due to terrorism, in Afghanistan is one of our common concerns, Modi said adding both India and America have played an important role in rebuilding Afghanistan and ensuring its security. In order to attain the objectives for peace and stability in Afghanistan, India will maintain close consultation and communication with the U.S. to enhance coordination between both nations.

Indo-Pacific region

In order to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, Modi said that this is also another objective of our strategic cooperation in this area. He spoke of the increasing possibilities for enhancing cooperation in order to protect the strategic interests and said we will continue to work with the USA in this region.

For strengthening of India’s defense capabilities

Strengthening India’s defence capabilities with the help of USA, is something that we truly appreciate, Modi said and went on to announce that it has been decided to enhance maritime security cooperation between the two nations. “President Trump and I have also spoken about strengthening bilateral defense technology and our trade and manufacturing partnership, which we believe will be mutually beneficial to us”, said Modi

International issues and our common strategic interests

Modi said: “we are extremely grateful for the continued support of the United States for India’s membership of international institutions and regimes. We truly appreciate the support, because this is also in the interest of both our nations.”

Click here for Remarks by the US President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Modi in Joint Press Statement