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Press Statement by Prime Minister during the State Visit of President of USA to India
By PIB Delhi
My friend and US President Donald Trump,
Respected member of the American delegation,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Hello
President Trump and his delegation are warmly welcomed again in India. I am particularly happy that he has come with his family on this journey. This is the fifth meeting between President Trump and me in the last eight months.
Yesterday, the unprecedented and historic reception of President Trump in Motara will always be remembered. Yesterday it became clear again that the allies of the US and India are not just between the two governments, they are people-driven, people-centric. This relationship is one of the most important partnerships of the 21st century. And so today, President Trump and I have decided to take our relationship to the level of Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. President Trump has been invaluable in bringing relations to this end.
Friends,
In our discussion today, we considered positively every important aspect of this partnership – be it defense and security, energy strategic partnership, technology cooperation, global connectivity, trade relations or people to people ties. The growing defense and security cooperation between India and the US is a very important part of our strategic partnership. With the cooperation of state-of-the-art defense equipment and platforms, India’s defense capability has increased. Our defense manufacturers are becoming part of each other’s supply chains. Indian forces are doing most of the training exercises today with US forces. Over the years, there has been an unprecedented increase in interoperability between our armies.
Friends,
Likewise, we are also extending cooperation to protect our homelands and fight international crime. Today’s decision on homeland security will further strengthen this cooperation. Today, we have decided to increase our efforts to hold supporters of terror accountable. President Trump has given priority to the fight against drugs and the opioid crisis. Today we have also agreed on a new mechanism for serious problems like drug trafficking, narco-terrorism and organized crime.
Friends,
Our Strategic Energy Partnership, established shortly ago, is strengthening. And mutual investment in this area has increased. America has become a very important source of India for oil and gas. In the last four years, our total energy business has been about $ 20 billion. Renewables or nuclear energy, our cooperation is getting new energy.
Friends,
Similarly, India-US is also setting up new partnerships, partnerships and innovation on other emerging technologies like 4.0 and 21st Century. The talent of Indian professionals has strengthened the technology leadership of American companies.
Friends,
India and America are committed to openness and fair and Balanced trade in the economic sector. In the last three years, our bilateral trade has had double-digit growth, and it has also become more balanced. If we take energy, civil aircrafts, defense, and higher education, in the last four-five years, these four sectors alone have contributed about $ 70 billion to India-US economic relations. Much of this is made possible by President Trump’s policies and decisions. I am confident that this figure will increase significantly in the coming time. As far as bilateral trade is concerned, there have been positive talks between our Commerce Ministers. President Trump and I agree that our understanding of the Commerce Ministers should make our teams legal. We have also agreed to start negotiation for a major trade deal. We hope it will produce good results in mutual interest.
Friends,
At the global level, the cooperation of India and the US is based on our common democratic values and objectives. This cooperation is especially important for the rule based international order, especially in Indo-Pacific and global commons. We both agree on the importance of sustainable and transparent financing in the development of connectivity infrastructure in the world. Our mutual understanding is not only with each other, but in the interest of the world.
Friends,
The most important foundation of this special friendship between India and America is our people to people relations. Whether it is professionals or students, Indian Diaspora has been the biggest contributor to this in the US. These ambassadors of India are not only contributing to the US economy through their talent and hard work. But also enriching American society with their democratic values and rich culture. I have requested President Trump to advance both sides’ discussion of the totalisation agreement on the social-security contributions of our professionals. It will be in mutual interest.
Friends,
President Trump’s visit has played a historic role in strengthening our relationship in all these dimensions. Once again, I thank President Trump for coming to India, and for bringing India-US relations to new heights.
Thank you.
