Looking forward to US visit, Modi tells Hagel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told visiting US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel that he looked forward to his visit to the US in September that would provide "an opportunity to see how the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy can build a partnership for peace, stability and prosperity in the world".

"The prime minister welcomed the sustained high-level engagement by the United States with the new Government in India," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

During the talks, Modi expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in Iraq and its potential implications for the region, where India has vital stakes.

Hagel briefed Modi on the announcements by President Obama on the steps that the US plans to take to deal with the situation, the statement said.

Modi also noted that early completion of the presidential election process in Afghanistan and a smooth transition of power is essential for sustaining progress towards peace, stability, democracy and development in that country.

They also discussed their shared interest in peace and stability in the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The prime minister underlined the importance of defence relations in the overall strategic partnership between the two countries and indicated his desire to see further progress in defence relations, including in defence manufacturing in India, technology transfer in the area of defence, exercises and higher studies in the field of defence.

Modi "reiterated that he looked forward to his visit to the United States not just as an occasion to think in terms of what we can do for each other, but also as an opportunity to see how the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy can build a partnership for peace, stability and prosperity in the world," the statement said.