White House hails Modi–Trump ties, calls India one of US’ strongest allies

Washington: Washington has described India as one of America’s strongest allies and credited the personal rapport between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening bilateral ties, as Modi completed 25 years in public office.

In a response to IANS, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said: “India is one of the United States’ strongest allies, which has been bolstered by President Trump’s good relationship with Prime Minister Modi.” The remark came as Modi marked a quarter-century since first assuming office as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001. The statement did not announce any new bilateral initiative or policy decision, and came even as the two countries continue to work through differences on trade and other issues.

As Modi completed 25 continuous years as head of government, leaders from several countries congratulated him and praised his leadership, calling it a “rare achievement in any democracy” and a “powerful testament” to the confidence Indians have placed in him. Messages came from leaders including those from Japan, Belgium, Bhutan, Nigeria, Dominica and others, many highlighting India’s rising global profile and their countries’ partnerships with New Delhi. The Union Cabinet had earlier adopted a resolution felicitating Modi on achieving 25 years of uninterrupted executive leadership.

Modi thanked world leaders for their warm wishes and said India remains ready to further strengthen cooperation with partners across the globe.

(Inputs from IANS)