On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held an “open” and “productive” talk on the trade matters so far in bilateral ties. They also directed their officials to meet and resolve the issues, according to an Indian official.
At the G20 Summit meet set in Osaka, Japan; besides discussing the rollout of 5G, technology of wireless communications, the two leaders also exchanged their views on Iran adding the tensions in the Gulf region, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale told the reporters.
“Therefore it’s in India’s fundamental interest to have peace and stability in the region,” Modi said elaborating that a large number of Indians live in the region and there were economic interests, as well.
“We have a vision (for India-US relations) which is far-sighted and positive. And India is committed to taking forward these relations,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
Describing the meet at Osaka, Gokhale said Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the “Make in India” flagship programme. Gokhale added, “The billion Indian users and India’s capacity in technology development and startups and design and Silicon Valley and its role in the development of 5G technology for mutual benefit.”
President of US, Donald Trump said, “I think you will see and you will hear its all very positive. The relationship with Indian has, I don’t believe, ever been better.”
On Friday, Trump’s opening remarks where Trump said India-US ties had never been closer since setting the stage for the interaction that was described as open, productive and warm.
Gokhale recalled that there were four issues on the table – Trade, 5G, Iran and Defence.
On the issue of Iran, both the sides agreed to remain in touch to ensure the situation between the regions remains stable.
Modi highlighted India’s energy needs and said although Iran supplied as much as 11 per cent of India’s energy needs, New Delhi had reduced the oil imports as it is acting as a dent to the Indian economy. Modi also discussed issues on peace and stability in the Gulf region.
On the issue of 5G, Modi exclaimed that it was a new area in communication that provided an opportunity for collaboration between India and the US. Gokhale said, “The Prime Minister outlined that we are going to be a billion users of this technology and in that sense, India is the second largest market in the world.
The way India moves, whatever choices India makes essentially determine the way the global trend will go.”
