US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive telephonic conversation to discuss strengthening the US-India strategic partnership and advancing regional security, particularly through the Indo-Pacific Quad alliance.
Key Highlights of the Conversation:
- Strategic Partnership:
- Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the US-India strategic partnership, with a focus on defense cooperation and fair bilateral trade.
- President Trump encouraged India to increase its procurement of American-made security equipment to bolster defense ties.
- Indo-Pacific Quad Partnership:
- Discussions included plans for India to host Quad Leaders for the first time later this year.
- Emphasis was placed on advancing shared goals of maintaining an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
- Regional and Global Issues:
- The leaders exchanged views on security challenges across the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Europe.
- They also addressed economic, maritime, and technological security concerns within the Quad framework.
- PM Modi’s Visit to the US:
- Plans were discussed for PM Modi’s visit to the White House, underscoring the strong ties and friendship between the two nations.
Quad Alliance Developments:
The Quad partnership, which includes Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, continues to prioritize:
- Regional Maritime Security: Strengthening measures to ensure free and open maritime trade routes.
- Economic Cooperation: Enhancing supply chain resilience and boosting technological collaboration.
Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan for a critical Quad meeting, reflecting the alliance’s growing importance in addressing regional and global challenges.
Conclusion:
The conversation between President Trump and PM Modi highlights the continued alignment of US-India interests in global security, economic cooperation, and advancing a stable Indo-Pacific region. The leaders’ commitment to hosting Quad Leaders and PM Modi’s upcoming White House visit signifies the deepening ties between the two democracies.