New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday dialed US President Donald Trump to discuss bilateral and regional matters in conversation which lasted 30 minutes. PM Modi’s call to Trump comes three days after his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, made an SOS call to the POTUS over Kashmir issue.
In a veiled attack at Imran Khan, PM Modi said certain leaders in the region were inciting anti-India violence which is not conducive to peace. He also highlighted the importance of creating an environment free from terror and violence and eschewing cross-border terrorism without exception, sources said.
The conversation between Modi and Trump covered bilateral and regional matters, and was marked by the "warmth and cordiality which characterises the relations between the two leaders", a Prime Minister's Office (PMO) release said.
"In the context of the regional situation, the prime minister stated that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region was not conducive to peace," it said.
In Washington, the White House said, "The President conveyed the importance of reducing tensions between India and Pakistan and maintaining peace in the region."
It said that during the talks, the two leaders discussed regional developments and the ways to "strengthen US-India economic ties through increased trade".
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. He also said the world must also seriously consider the safety and security of India's nuclear arsenal as it impacts not just the region but the world.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have been running high since August 5 when the Narendra Modi government decided to repeal Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcate the state into two Union Territories — J&K and Ladakh. Criticising the move, Pakistan had downgraded diplomatic ties with India and expelled Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria. It also suspended trade ties and stopped services of the Samjhauta Express.
In his telephonic conversation, Modi also highlighted the importance of creating an environment free from terror and violence and eschewing cross-border terrorism without exception, the statement added.
The prime minister reiterated India's commitment to cooperate with anyone who followed this path, in fighting poverty, illiteracy and disease.
Noting that today marked the 100th year of the Independence of Afghanistan, Modi emphasised India's "longstanding and unwavering" commitment to work for "united, secure, democratic and truly independent Afghanistan".
During the conversation, Modi also referred to his meeting with Trump in Osaka on the margins of G-20 summit in June.
"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," government said.
"The Prime Minister stated that he appreciated remaining in regular touch with President Trump," it added.
(With PTI inputs)
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