President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hug while making statements in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/ Susan Walsh)

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Updated on: June 27, 2017, 9:42 AM IST

June 27, 2017, 9:42 AM IST FOLLOW US ON: Facebook Twitter Instagram

Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke together on fighting terrorism and improving trade ties after their first meeting at the White House, which was marked by warmth and bonhomie between the two leaders.

The fight against terrorism is our main priority, Modi told the media on Monday after talks with the US president. "We talked about terrorism, extremism and radicalisation and agreed to cooperate on this. Fight against terrorism and their safe havens is an important part of our cooperation," he said.


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

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

Referring to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform to be implemented across India starting next month, Trump said it was "the largest tax overhaul in your country's history".


The US president called for the removal of "barriers" for the export of US goods into Indian markets saying he is keen to work towards creating a fair and reciprocal trading relationship.

"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 in his remarks at the White House Rose Garden.

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

The fight against terrorism is our main priority, Modi told the media on Monday after talks with the US president. "We talked about terrorism, extremism and radicalisation and agreed to cooperate on this. Fight against terrorism and their safe havens is an important part of our cooperation," he said.

Referring to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform to be implemented across India starting next month, Trump said it was "the largest tax overhaul in your country's history".

"We're doing that also, by the way. Creating great new opportunities for your citizens. You have a big vision for improving infrastructure, and you are fighting government corruption, which is always a grave threat to democracy," he said.

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

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

"We're 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, " he said.

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Both the leaders agreed to continue strengthening coordination for ensuring peace and stability in

Afghanistan as they expressed concern over rising instability in the war-torn country caused by terrorism.

Trump thanked Indians for their “contributions to the effort in Afghanistan, and for joining us in applying new sanctions against the North Korean regime.”

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Modi extended a warm invitation to President Trump and his family to visit India. "I would like to invite you to India, along with your family. And I hope that you will give me the opportunity to welcome you and host you in India," he said.

The meeting was noted for the bonhomie between the two leaders. The US president and First Lady Melania Trump greeted Modi at the steps when the Indian PM arrived at the White House. Throughout the interactions both leaders spoke glowingly if each other, and then at the joint media briefing sealed their friendship with a series of hugs and handshakes.

(with PTI inputs)