Trump steers clear of row over CAA, says Modi wants people to have religious freedom

After talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday stressed that the Indian leader wants people to have religious freedom and also steered clear of the row over the contentious CAA even as he said an over USD 3 billion defence deal was finalised for the supply of advanced American military equipment to India.

Trump also repeated his mediation offer to defuse tensions between India and Pakistan, noting Kashmir is a "big problem" and has been "thorn in lot of people's sides" for long time. He said there are two sides to every story, comments that came days ahead of the plans to sign a peace deal between the US and Taliban on February 29 for which Pakistan has been invited.

"If anything I can do to mediate, I will do," Trump said, adding Pakistan figured in his talks with Modi.

"I have good equation with Pakistan PM Imran Khan. They are working to control cross-border terrorism," Trump said after India flagged its concerns over terrorism emanating from across the border.

Trump went on to say that Modi is a very religious and calm man, but he is a very strong person. "He is very tough. He has got that foremost in his mind, terrorism and he will take care of it."
On CAA, he said, "I don't want to say anything on CAA. It is up to India. I hope it will take the right decision for its people."
Asked if he discussed the incidents of violence taking place during his visit, he said he didn't discuss individual attacks and "that is up to India"
The US president said,"earlier, today we expanded our defence cooperation with agreements for India to purchase more than USD 3 billion of advanced American military equipment, including Apache and MH-60 Romeo helicopters -- the finest in the world. These deals will enhance our joint defence capabilities as our militaries continue to train and operate side by side."
"Another major focus of my discussions with Prime Minister Modi was forging bilateral economic relationships that is fair and reciprocal."
Describing the Indo-US relations as "one of the most important partnerships of the 21st century", the prime minister said, "increasing defence and security cooperation between two countries is a very key aspect of the strategic partnership between India and the US. We also agreed on new mechanism to contain drug trafficking."