Fighting terrorism topmost priority: PM in joint statement

We will destroy radical Islamic terrorism, President Trump says after his meeting with Prime Minister Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump on Monday, June 26, struck a common note on terrorism, vowing to strengthen efforts to fight the menace in their joint statement at the White House.

The fight against terrorism is our main priority, Modi said after talks with the US president.

"We talked about terrorism, extremism and radicalisation and agreed to cooperate on this. The fight against terrorism and their safe havens is an important part of our cooperation," Modi said, speaking at the Rose Garden.

Both nations, Trump said, are "determined" to destroy terrorist organisations and the radical ideology that drives them.

• PHOTOS: Trump, Melania welcome Modi at White House

"The security partnership between the US and India is incredibly important," Trump said.

"Both our nations have been struck by the evils of terrorism and we are both determined to destroy terrorist organisations and the radical ideology that drives them. We will destroy radical Islamic terrorism," the US president declared.

Trump began the statement by congratulating India on its 70th year of Independence.

"I have always had a deep admiration for your country and your people, the rich culture and traditions," he said.

The relations between India and the US have never been better, Trump said.

Speaking about India's economic growth and tax reforms, especially the goods and services tax rollout, Trump said, "It's a great honour to welcome the leader of the world's largest democracy to the White House. You have a big vision for improving infrastructure and fighting corruption. In just two weeks you will begin to implement largest tax overhaul in your country's history, we are doing that also by the way."

"India is the fastest growing economy in the world. We hope we will be catching up with you very soon."

"During my campaign I pledged if elected India will have a true friend in the White House and that's now exactly what you have, a true friend," Trump said.

The president said he is keen to work with the prime minister on creating a "fair and reciprocal" trading relationship between the two nations and called for the removal of "barriers" for the export of US goods into Indian markets.

"I look forward to working with you to create jobs in our countries, to grow our economies and to create a trading relationship that is fair and reciprocal," Trump said.

It was "important" that barriers be removed to export US goods into Indian markets, Trump said, "and that we reduce our trade deficit with your country's."

Trump expressed pleasure about an order by an Indian airline company for 100 new American planes, calling it one of the largest orders of its kind, which will support thousands and thousands of American jobs.

"We are also looking forward to exporting more American energy to India as your economy grows, including major long-term contracts to purchase American natural gas, which are right now being negotiated, and we will sign them. Trying to get the price up a little bit," he said.

"Prime Minister Modi invited my daughter Ivanka to lead a US delegation to the global entrepreneurship in India," Trump revealed, "and I believe she has accepted."

"I am proud to announce to the media, the American people and to the Indian people that Prime Minister Modi and I are world leaders in social media," Trump said.

Speaking after Trump, Modi thanked the president and first lady for their warm welcome and invited them to India "to give us a chance to welcome you."

"I would like to thank President Trump for his kind words about India. Our talks today are an important moment in the cooperation between our nations. They have been very crucial talks," Modi said.

"Both India and the US are global engines of growth. We held talks on a wide range of issues pertaining to the India-US relationship. We consider the US a valued partner in our flagship programmes," Modi said.

"Trade, commerce and investment are key areas. Technology, innovation and knowledge economy are also areas we are actively looking at," he said.

Earlier, leading the delegation-level talks between India and the US at the White House, the PM said, "You're the world's oldest democracy, we're the world's largest democracy. Together we can do much for the world. And for one another."

President Trump thanked Modi for ordering equipment from the US.

"No one makes military equipment like the US," Trump said.

Additional inputs: ANI