Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump during which he made an indirect reference to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s extreme rhetoric against India, and said such incitement to anti-India violence was not conducive to peace.
The development comes after the government abrogated provisions of Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan’s subsequent attempts to internationalise the issue.
Referring to their bilateral (India-US) discussions in Osaka, PM @narendramodi 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. pic.twitter.com/CmfLclomGA
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) August 19, 2019
Besides bilateral issues, the two leaders discussed the regional situation.
An official release said that during the conversation, Modi highlighted the importance of creating an environment free from terror and violence in the region.
The conversation covered bilateral and regional matters and was marked by “warmth and cordiality which characterises the relations between the two leaders”, the release said.
Modi recalled their meeting in Osaka on the margins of G-20 summit in June earlier this year and 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.
“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. He highlighted the importance of creating an environment free from terror and violence and eschewing cross-border terrorism without exception,” the release said.
Modi reiterated India’s commitment to cooperate with anyone who followed this path, in fighting poverty, illiteracy and disease.
Recalling that August 19 marks 100 years of Independence of Afghanistan, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to “work for united, secure, democratic and truly independent Afghanistan”.
The Prime Minister stated that he appreciated remaining in regular touch with the US President.
Meanwhile, President Trump in a tweet said: “spoke to my two good friends, Prime Minister Modi of India, and Prime Minister Khan of Pakistan, regarding Trade, Strategic Partnerships and, most importantly, for India and Pakistan to work towards reducing tensions in Kashmir. A tough situation, but good conversations!”
Spoke to my two good friends, Prime Minister Modi of India, and Prime Minister Khan of Pakistan, regarding Trade, Strategic Partnerships and, most importantly, for India and Pakistan to work towards reducing tensions in Kashmir. A tough situation, but good conversations!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2019