Modi speaks to Trump, expresses desire to deepen cooperation

Jan 7, 2019
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called US President Donald and reiterated that India will continue to work with his country for enhancing cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

The call comes amid tension in the Gulf over the killing of Iranian intelligence chief and Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani and other military officials in Iraq in a US strike ordered by President Trump last week.

The Ministry of External Affairs statement said the telephone call on Monday night was made by the Prime Minister to convey New Year greetings.

”The Prime Minister stated that India-US relations, which are built on trust, mutual respect and understanding, have grown from strength to strength. The Prime Minister highlighted the significant progress made in deepening the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the previous year and expressed his desire to continue to work with President Trump for enhancing cooperation in all areas of mutual interest,” the MEA statement said.

Modi’s call to Trump comes a day after External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar rang up Foreign Ministers of Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Oman and also US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, expressing India’s concerns about the escalation of tensions between Tehran and Washington. He told them that India had high stakes in the stability and peace of the Gulf.

”Just concluded a conversation with FM @JZarif of Iran. Noted that developments have taken a very serious turn. India remains deeply concerned about the levels of tension. We agreed to remain in touch,” Jaishankar said in a tweet.

Last night he also spoke to his counterparts of Jordan and Qatar about the regional issues and situation.

A US State Department release about the EAM’s conversation with Pompeo had said,” Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today to Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to discuss Iran’s continued provocations and threats to the region.”

Tuesday’s MEA statement said, ”President Trump wished the people of India prosperity and progress in the New Year. He expressed satisfaction at the achievements in the relationship in last few years and reiterated his readiness for further deepening bilateral cooperation.”

”The Prime Minister wished President Trump, his family and the people of the United States good health, prosperity and success in the New Year,” it said.

–India News Stream