New Delhi:Amid the ongoing Islamabad's cry over the abrogation of Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday had a telephonic conversation to the US President Donald Trump.
The thirty-minute conversation covered bilateral and regional matters and was marked by the warmth and cordiality which characterizes the relations between the two leaders.
The conversation was the first highest-level interaction after India's announcement on Jammu and Kashmir.
Two days back, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had a telephonic conversation with Trump and raised the New Delhi's move to abrogate Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The White House said in a statement, "Today, President Donald J. Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to discuss regional developments and the United States-India strategic partnership."
The statement added, "The President conveyed the importance of reducing tensions between India and Pakistan and maintaining peace in the region. The two leaders further discussed how they will continue to strengthen United States-India economic ties through increased trade, and they look forward to meeting again soon."
Islamabad is battered by New Delhi's move over J&K and has been continuously attempting to raise the issue on international forums.
Modi recalled their meeting with Trump in Osaka on the margins of the G-20 summit in late June this year.
Referring to their bilateral discussions in Osaka, the Prime Minister expressed the hope that the Commerce Minister of India and the US Trade Representative would meet at an early date to discuss bilateral trade prospects for mutual benefit.
In the context of the regional situation, PM Modi stated that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region were not conducive to peace. He highlighted the importance of creating an environment free from terror and violence and eschewing cross-border terrorism without exception. The Prime Minister reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to cooperate with anyone who followed this path, in fighting poverty, illiteracy, and disease.
Modi's comments on extreme rhetoric by some regional leaders was an obvious reference to Imran Khan, who has been making provocative comments against Modi government and Indian action in the last few days.
Continuing with his tirade against India over the Kashmir issue, Khan on Sunday had called the Indian government "fascist" and "supremacist", alleging that it poses a threat to Pakistan as well as to the minorities in India.
Recalling that today marked the one hundred years of the Independence of Afghanistan, PM Modi reiterated India’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to work for united, secure, democratic and truly independent Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister stated that he appreciated remaining in regular touch with President Trump.
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