President Trump asks India to buy more US-made weaponry in phone call with PM Modi

Washington/New Delhi: US President Donald Trump, during his phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday night, stressed on the importance of India increasing its purchase of US-made security equipment and moving toward a fair bilateral trading relationship.

According to a White House readout of the call, the two leaders also discussed plans for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House.

The statement read:

“Today, President Donald J. Trump held a productive call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The two leaders discussed expanding and deepening cooperation.

“They also discussed a range of regional issues, including security in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe.

“The President emphasized the importance of India increasing its procurement of American-made security equipment and moving toward a fair bilateral trading relationship.

“The leaders discussed plans for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House, underscoring the strength of the friendship and strategic ties between our nations.

“Both leaders emphasized their commitment to advance the U.S.-India strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership, with India hosting Quad Leaders for the first time later this year.”

On Monday night, PM Modi in a post on X said:

“Delighted to speak with my dear friend President @realDonaldTrump @POTUS.

“Congratulated him on his historic second term. We are committed to a mutually beneficial and trusted partnership.

“We will work together for the welfare of our people and towards global peace, prosperity, and security.”

An Indian readout said: “Prime Minister Modi spoke with the President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, today and congratulated him on his historic second term as the 47th President of the United States of America.

“The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment for a mutually beneficial and trusted partnership.

“They discussed various facets of the wide-ranging bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and measures to advance it, including in the areas of technology, trade, investment, energy and defence.

“The two leaders exchanged views on global issues, including the situation in West Asia and Ukraine, and reiterated their commitment to work together for promoting global peace, prosperity and security.

“The leaders agreed to remain in touch and meet soon at an early mutually convenient date.”