The leaders of the world’s two greatest democracies, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke over phone on late Tuesday night.
According to White House, Trump described India as a ‘true friend of the US’ and invited the Prime Minister to visit Washington later this year
Both the leaders also discussed issues related to trade, defence and terrorism, the White House said.
"During a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, President Trump emphasised that the US considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world," the White House said in a readout of the call.
"President Trump looked forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi in the US later this year," the White House added.
The two leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen the partnership between the US and India in broad areas such as the economy and defence.
Besides this, they also discussed security in the region of South and Central Asia. President Trump and Prime Minister Modi resolved that the US and India stand shoulder to shoulder in the global fight against terrorism, the readout said.
Had warm conversation with Trump, invited him to India: PM
Modi, who is the fifth foreign leader Trump have spoken with over phone after being sworn-in as the new US President on January 20, said, they ‘agreed to work closely in the coming days to further strengthen our bilateral ties’.
"Had a warm conversation with President @realDonaldTrump late last evening," the Prime Minister tweeted.
"Have also invited President Trump to visit India," Modi said.
After Trump surprised the world with his historic victory in the November 8 general elections, Modi was among the first world leaders to have congratulated Trump.
During his gruelling election campaign, India was among the few countries in addition to Israel with whom Trump spoke of strengthening ties if elected to power.
On January 21, Trump spoke with British Prime Minister Theresa May, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. On Sunday, Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu and yesterday he had a telephonic conversation with the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
