India, U.S. vow to bring stability to Indo-Pacific region

United States President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Modi, as responsible stewards in the Indo-Pacific region, agreed that a close partnership between the United States and India is central to peace and stability in the region, a joint statement issued by the two leaders, following delegation-level talks, said.

Recognising the significant progress achieved in these endeavours, the leaders agreed to take further measures to strengthen their partnership.

In accordance with the tenets outlined in the U.N. Charter, they committed to a set of common principles for the region, according to which sovereignty and international law are respected and every country can prosper, the statement added.

To this end, the leaders:

-reiterate the importance of respecting freedom of navigation, overflight, and commerce throughout the region;

-call upon all nations to resolve territorial and maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law;

-support bolstering regional economic connectivity through the transparent development of infrastructure and the use of responsible debt financing practices, while ensuring respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the rule of law, and the environment; and

-call on other nations in the region to adhere to these principles.

President Trump welcomed further Indian contributions to promote Afghanistan's democracy, stability, prosperity, and security.

Recognising the importance of their respective strategic partnerships with Afghanistan, the leaders committed to continue close consultations and cooperation in support of Afghanistan's future, the statement added.

In accord with India's Think West policy, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi resolved to increase cooperation, enhance diplomatic consultations, and increase tangible collaboration with partners in the Middle East.

The leaders strongly condemned continued provocations by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), emphasising that its destabilising pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programs poses a grave threat to regional security and global peace. The leaders called on DPRK to strictly abide by its international obligations and commitments.

Earlier, in their joint press statement at the White House, Trump stressed on eliminating and destroying radical Islamic terrorism and emphasised on how both nations - the U.S. and India - are deeply affected by the malaise of terrorism.

"Both nations have been struck by the evils of terrorism and are determined to destroy it, especially the radical Islamic terrorism. We will be enhancing the military cooperation and next month, will join the Japan Navy to take part in the largest Maritime exercise in the vast Indian Ocean. I appreciate India's efforts in Afghanistan," Trump said.

Trump said it was an honour to have invited and hosted Prime Minister Modi at the White House.

"The relationship between the U.S. and India has never looked brighter. It's a great honour to welcome the leader of the world's largest democracy to the White House. I have always admired India and its people and the rich cultural heritage and traditions. This summer India will celebrate the 70th anniversary of their Independence and on behalf of the U.S., I want to congratulate the Indians on this magnificent milestone," he said.

Prime Minister Modi laid special emphasis on the growing camaraderie between India and the United States even as he addressed the media jointly with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House here on Monday.

Praising the U.S. as a valued partner in India's flagship programmes, Prime Minister Modi asserted that eliminating safe havens of terror and bring stability to Afghanistan was the major priority of both nations.

Further citing that India's interest lies in a strong America, Prime Minister Modi said, "My visit and our talks will mark a very important page in the history of cooperation and collaboration between the two nations. My vision of 'New India' and President Trump's vision of 'Make America Great Again' shows convergence of ideas that will open up new avenues for people of both countries."

Prime Minister Modi, prior to this, sat down for delegation-level talks with Trump in the Cabinet Room at the White House.

During the delegation-level meeting, the two leaders touched upon various topics ranging from purchase of military equipment to the bilateral relations between the two nations.

Trump struck upon the topic of purchase of military equipment, in reference to the recent F16 joint production deal.

"Thank you for ordering equipment from the U.S.. No one makes military equipment like the U.S.," he said.

Trump extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi even as he, along with First Lady Melania, received him at the White House earlier in the day.

Heaping praises on Prime Minister Modi, Trump said that he had been reading a lot about him and that he would want to congratulate him for the exemplary leadership he has shown, primarily, economically.

Prime Minister Modi, while thanking Trump for the warm welcome rendered to him, said the kind of welcome he was given, it was a welcome to the 125 crore people of India.