Washington DC:
The president of the United States, Donald Trump, on Monday (local time) had a “productive” phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two leaders discussed expand and deepen bilateral cooperation and problems, including security in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe. This was the first telephone conversation between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi since the Republican swore a second term on January 20.
Later, Trump told journalists that Prime Minister Modi was scheduled to visit the United States at some time in February.
“I had a long conversation with him this morning (Monday). He will come to the White House, next month, we probably have a very good relationship with India,” journalists aboard Air Force One.
The American leader said he discussed the issue of immigration with the Indian prime minister and said that Prime Minister Modi “will do the right thing” when it comes to recovering Indian immigrants who illegally came to the United States.
The call came in the context of the reports that suggested that the Indian side was working at an early meeting between the two leaders. President Trump and Prime Minister Modi enjoyed warm relations in the first mandate of the president of the United States, but during his campaign for re -election, the 78 -year -old American leader described India as a “very large abuser” of commerce and He promised to use tariffs on global imports in the United States to correct imbalances.
He has also threatened the BRICS Group, of which India is part, with tariffs if they did not accept their demand to commit not to create a new currency.
About trade and bilateral relations
In Monday’s call with Prime Minister Modi, Trump “emphasized the importance of India increased its acquisition of security equipment made in the United States and moving towards a fair bilateral commercial relationship,” said a statement from the White House.
The United States is the largest commercial partner in India and bidirectional trade exceeded $ 118 billion in 2023/24, with India publishing a surplus of $ 32 billion.
India is also an important strategic partner in the United States efforts to counteract China, and in a publication on social networks on Monday, Prime Minister Modi called Trump a “dear friend” and said they were “committed to a Association of benefit and confidence. “
“We will work together for the well -being of our people and towards global peace, prosperity and security,” said the prime minister.
An Indian statement said the leaders discussed technology, commerce, investment, energy and defense and “agreed to remain in contact and meet soon at an early and convenient date.”
The White House said both leaders emphasized their commitment to the Quads group that brings together the United States and India with Australia and Japan, with India to receive quadruple leaders at the end of this year.
About immigration
The president of the United States said that Prime Minister Modi “will do the right thing” when it comes to recovering illegal immigrants from the United States. In a meeting with Foreign Minister, Jaishankar, last week, the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, emphasized the desire to “address concerns related to irregular migration.”
Trump has promised to take energetic measures against illegal immigration and Bloomberg News reported last week that India and the United States have identified some 18,000 Indian migrants who are illegally in the United States. He said that he is open to the legal migration of qualified workers and that India is known for its large group of IT professionals, many of whom work worldwide. Accounts to most of the qualified worker H-1B visas issued by the United States.