US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 3) announced that he will be attending the G7 Summit in France later this month. This has raised speculation about a possible meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will also be attending the event in Évian-les-Bains. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that he will travel to France after attending a UFC event at the White House on June 14.“I’ll be going to the G7, in France, immediately following what will be one of the Most Entertaining Nights in American History, the UFC World Championship Fights on the South Lawn of the White House,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.PM Modi is set to travel to France and Slovakia as India-Europe relations strengthen. He is expected to attend the G7 Summit in the scenic town of Évian-les-Bains from 15-17 June. While New Delhi has not yet formally confirmed his participation, the French Foreign Ministry said that Indian has been invited to the key event, adding that PM Modi has confirmed his attendance.This comes amid trade tensions between the two countries after Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on India, citing New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases. Despite recent strains in bilateral ties, PM Modi and Trump have maintained regular communication through a series of phone conversations over the past few months.The relationship has also shown signs of renewed momentum following the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to India last month. During his interactions with PM Modi, Rubio provided an update on progress in key areas of cooperation, including defence, strategic technologies, trade and investment, energy security, connectivity, education, and people-to-people relations.Earlier on Tuesday (Jun 2), negotiators from India and the US began three-day talks in New Delhi aimed at finalising the proposed interim trade agreement. The broad framework for the deal was agreed upon in February.US Ambassador Sergio Gor has said that the India-US trade deal was “99 per cent complete”, adding that both sides were working to resolve the remaining issues. He also expressed optimism, saying that the agreement could be signed in the coming weeks.“And so that is something that this relationship is valued, that the (US) trade team that is right now negotiating on that. Once that trade deal is finalised… the interim trade deal was there in place. It is that 1 per cent that we are trying to get across the finish line. So the leaders can have a signing and put that in stone and in law,” Gor said.

US President Donald Trump confirmed he will attend the G7 Summit in France later this month, sparking speculation about a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also expected to be there.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 3) announced that he will be attending the G7 Summit in France later this month. This has raised speculation about a possible meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will also be attending the event in Évian-les-Bains. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that he will travel to France after attending a UFC event at the White House on June 14. “I’ll be going to the G7, in France, immediately following what will be one of the Most Entertaining Nights in American History, the UFC World Championship Fights on the South Lawn of the White House,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. PM Modi is set to travel to France and Slovakia as India-Europe relations strengthen. He is expected to attend the G7 Summit in the scenic town of Évian-les-Bains from 15-17 June. While New Delhi has not yet formally confirmed his participation, the French Foreign Ministry said that Indian has been invited to the key event, adding that PM Modi has confirmed his attendance. This comes amid trade tensions between the two countries after Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on India, citing New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases. Despite recent strains in bilateral ties, PM Modi and Trump have maintained regular communication through a series of phone conversations over the past few months. The relationship has also shown signs of renewed momentum following the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to India last month. During his interactions with PM Modi, Rubio provided an update on progress in key areas of cooperation, including defence, strategic technologies, trade and investment, energy security, connectivity, education, and people-to-people relations. Earlier on Tuesday (Jun 2), negotiators from India and the US began three-day talks in New Delhi aimed at finalising the proposed interim trade agreement. The broad framework for the deal was agreed upon in February. US Ambassador Sergio Gor has said that the India-US trade deal was “99 per cent complete”, adding that both sides were working to resolve the remaining issues. He also expressed optimism, saying that the agreement could be signed in the coming weeks. “And so that is something that this relationship is valued, that the (US) trade team that is right now negotiating on that. Once that trade deal is finalised… the interim trade deal was there in place. It is that 1 per cent that we are trying to get across the finish line. So the leaders can have a signing and put that in stone and in law,” Gor said.

US President Donald Trump confirmed he will attend the G7 Summit in France later this month, sparking speculation about a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also expected to be there.

Will PM Modi meet Trump at G7? US president confirms France visit

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday (Feb 12) reacted to an old video of US President Donald Trump, in which he is seen making a bizarre remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s career. This comes after the video resurfaced on social media and was widely circulated. The MEA stated that it will be taking appropriate action on the video, which dates back to October 2025.When asked about the video by a reporter during a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded by saying, “I have not seen the video. But if indeed there is such a video, whether it is true or false, we will take appropriate action on it.”<h2>What did Trump say?</h2>During a press conference in the White House on October 15, 2025, Trump was seen first praising PM Modi, but then joked that he did not want to destroy his political career.“Modi is a great man, that he loves Trump. Now, I don’t know if the word love, I don’t want you to take that any different. I don’t want to destroy his political career, but you have to understand, I’ve watched India for years. My friend has been there now for a long time,” Trump said in the video.In the same presser, Trump also claimed that PM Modi had assured him that India would stop buying Russian oil.“Yeah, sure. He’s (PM Narendra Modi) a friend of mine. We have a great relationship... I was not happy that India was buying oil. And he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step,” the US president claimed.During the time when Trump made the remarks, India and the US relations were tense. Trump had imposed 50 per cent tariffs on New Delhi, citing its trade policies and Russian oil imports.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;I don&#39;t want to destroy Modi&#39;s political career&quot; - Donald Trump. If a &#39;Head Of State&#39; can be threatened this casually, it exposes diplomatic weakness. The real issue is Modi&#39;s silence, which casually implies that Trump controls India’s PM. A compromised leader is always a… <a href="https://t.co/uznVvfvYVb">pic.twitter.com/uznVvfvYVb</a>&mdash; The Lie Lamaa 🏹 (@_TheLieLamaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/_TheLieLamaa/status/2020726946699866340?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>India-US trade deal</h2>In a recent move, India and the US signed a trade deal, lowering tariffs on New Delhi. Notably, the fact sheet released by the White House does not mention anything concrete on India’s commitment to stop buying Russian oil, which had appeared earlier in an executive order signed by Trump. The sole mention of this can be found in a brief statement acknowledging that Trump “agreed to remove the additional 25% tariff on imports from India in recognition of India’s commitment to stop purchasing Russian Federation oil.”The agreement will see the United States reduce so-called reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the earlier 25 per cent level, though the timeline for implementing that reduction has not yet been finalised. Meanwhile, India will eliminate or reduce duties on all US industrial goods and a wide range of agricultural products.&nbsp;

India’s MEA reacted to a resurfaced 2025 video of Donald Trump joking about PM Modi’s career and claiming India would stop buying Russian oil.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday (Feb 12) reacted to an old video of US President Donald Trump, in which he is seen making a bizarre remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s career. This comes after the video resurfaced on social media and was widely circulated. The MEA stated that it will be taking appropriate action on the video, which dates back to October 2025. When asked about the video by a reporter during a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded by saying, “I have not seen the video. But if indeed there is such a video, whether it is true or false, we will take appropriate action on it.” What did Trump say? During a press conference in the White House on October 15, 2025, Trump was seen first praising PM Modi, but then joked that he did not want to destroy his political career. “Modi is a great man, that he loves Trump. Now, I don’t know if the word love, I don’t want you to take that any different. I don’t want to destroy his political career, but you have to understand, I’ve watched India for years. My friend has been there now for a long time,” Trump said in the video. In the same presser, Trump also claimed that PM Modi had assured him that India would stop buying Russian oil. “Yeah, sure. He’s (PM Narendra Modi) a friend of mine. We have a great relationship... I was not happy that India was buying oil. And he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That’s a big step,” the US president claimed. During the time when Trump made the remarks, India and the US relations were tense. Trump had imposed 50 per cent tariffs on New Delhi, citing its trade policies and Russian oil imports.

India’s MEA reacted to a resurfaced 2025 video of Donald Trump joking about PM Modi’s career and claiming India would stop buying Russian oil.

MEA reacts to Trump’s viral ‘don’t want to destroy Modi’s political career’ video – Here’s what it said

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Jan 4) claimed that India has substantially reduced its oil purchases from Russia after he imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods. Trump also warned that the US can raise tariffs on India “very quickly.” This comes after American forces launched strikes in Venezuela’s Caracas and captured their leader, Nicolas Maduro.“We could raise tariffs on India if they don’t help on the Russian oil issue.” Trump said, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. Trump further claimed, “They wanted to make me happy. Basically, Modi is a very good man. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy. We do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly.”Relations between India and the US soured after Trump doubled tariffs on the Asian country, citing its oil imports from Russia, which the US President has claimed is helping to fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. Since then, several rounds of negotiations have happened as part of an effort to secure a trade deal between the two countries.US Senator Lindsey Graham said that the tariffs imposed by Trump on India are the “chief reason” that New Delhi has reduced its purchase of Russian oil substantially.Graham also claimed that Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra spoke to him last month over India buying less Russian oil. He added that Kwatra asked him to tell Trump to relive the 25 per cent tariffs which was imposed as a punishment for purchasing Russian oil.“I was at the Indian Ambassador's house a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about was how India is buying less Russian oil. And he asked me to tell the President to relieve the 25 per cent tariff,” Graham told reporters alongside Trump.

This comes after American forces launched strikes in Venezuela’s Caracas and captured their leader, Nicolas Maduro.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Jan 4) claimed that India has substantially reduced its oil purchases from Russia after he imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods. Trump also warned that the US can raise tariffs on India “very quickly.” This comes after American forces launched strikes in Venezuela’s Caracas and captured their leader, Nicolas Maduro. “We could raise tariffs on India if they don’t help on the Russian oil issue.” Trump said, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. Trump further claimed, “They wanted to make me happy. Basically, Modi is a very good man. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy. We do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly.” Relations between India and the US soured after Trump doubled tariffs on the Asian country, citing its oil imports from Russia, which the US President has claimed is helping to fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. Since then, several rounds of negotiations have happened as part of an effort to secure a trade deal between the two countries. US Senator Lindsey Graham said that the tariffs imposed by Trump on India are the “chief reason” that New Delhi has reduced its purchase of Russian oil substantially. Graham also claimed that Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra spoke to him last month over India buying less Russian oil. He added that Kwatra asked him to tell Trump to relive the 25 per cent tariffs which was imposed as a punishment for purchasing Russian oil. “I was at the Indian Ambassador's house a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about was how India is buying less Russian oil. And he asked me to tell the President to relieve the 25 per cent tariff,” Graham told reporters alongside Trump.

This comes after American forces launched strikes in Venezuela’s Caracas and captured their leader, Nicolas Maduro.

‘Modi is a good man…’: Trump says THIS on India’s Russian oil purchase, tariffs after strike on Venezuela

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Feb 13) delivered a stark warning to BRICS nations, threatening to impose a 100 per cent tariff on all imports into the United States if they proceed with launching a common currency. He also dismissed the bloc's significance in an emphatic declaration, stating bluntly: "Brics is dead."
The remarks came just before Trump's scheduled meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a key founding member country of the BRICS.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-canada-says-has-been-very-bad-to-us-on-trade-repeats-talk-of-it-becoming-51st-us-state-8719244">Trump slams Canada, says 'has been very bad to us on trade,' repeats talk of it becoming 51st US state</a>
<h2>BRICS is dead</h2>
Dismissing the intergovernmental organization, Trump said, "Brics was put there for a bad purpose".
"I told them if they want to play games with the Dollar, then they are going to be hit by a 100% tariff," he announced.
"The day they mention that they want to do it, they will come back and say - we beg you, we beg you. Brics is dead since I mentioned that..." said the US President, referring to any plans the BRICS nations might have to launch a common currency, like the Euro used by EU nations.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m73voqte-lc7fwgte-2q4jjua3">
"Play with the dollar and get hit with 100% tariffs" US President Donald Trump says BRICS is 'dead' after warning member countries over dollar and tariff . . . . (Video: news agency ANI) <a href="https://t.co/JMPto1chlj">pic.twitter.com/JMPto1chlj</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1890141344368341299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
Trump reiterated his position, doubling down on his claim that any move to challenge the US dollar's dominance would lead to severe economic repercussions for BRICS members. "Brics is dead the minute I mentioned that if they mess with the dollar, they will get 100% tariffs. Brics is dead," he repeated.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-wants-to-do-business-in-india-trump-says-its-very-hard-due-of-high-tariffs-8719225">Elon Musk wants to do business in India? Trump says 'it's very hard due of high tariffs'</a>
His comments directly addressed concerns that Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa might be exploring the creation of a unified currency, a move that some experts believe could weaken the dollar's global standing. Trump, however, made it clear that such ambitions would come at a steep price.&nbsp;
"If any trading gets through, it&rsquo;ll be 100% tariff, at least," he warned, signalling that his administration would take a hardline approach to any perceived threats to US financial supremacy.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-narendra-modi-meets-us-president-donald-trump-at-white-house-8719265">Indian PM Narendra Modi meets US President Donald Trump at White House</a>
Trump's hardline stance came just hours ahead of his scheduled meeting with Indian PM Modi. His rhetoric showed no restraint, as Trump highlighted his administration's commitment to imposing strict trade measures and announced "reciprocal tariffs" that could target both allies and rivals.&nbsp;
"Today is the big one: reciprocal tariffs," Trump wrote on his social media platform ahead of the announcement. "They charge us a tax or tariff, and we charge them the exact tax or tariff. Very simple," he announced.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news | Discover Trump's bold statement declaring BRICS as insignificant, hinting at severe economic consequences if the bloc moves to undermine the US dollar's dominance.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Feb 13) delivered a stark warning to BRICS nations, threatening to impose a 100 per cent tariff on all imports into the United States if they proceed with launching a common currency. He also dismissed the bloc's significance in an emphatic declaration, stating bluntly: "Brics is dead." The remarks came just before Trump's scheduled meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a key founding member country of the BRICS. Also read | Trump slams Canada, says 'has been very bad to us on trade,' repeats talk of it becoming 51st US state BRICS is dead Dismissing the intergovernmental organization, Trump said, "Brics was put there for a bad purpose". "I told them if they want to play games with the Dollar, then they are going to be hit by a 100% tariff," he announced. "The day they mention that they want to do it, they will come back and say - we beg you, we beg you. Brics is dead since I mentioned that..." said the US President, referring to any plans the BRICS nations might have to launch a common currency, like the Euro used by EU nations. "Play with the dollar and get hit with 100% tariffs" US President Donald Trump says BRICS is 'dead' after warning member countries over dollar and tariff . . . . (Video: news agency ANI) pic.twitter.com/JMPto1chlj — WION (@WIONews) February 13, 2025 Trump reiterated his position, doubling down on his claim that any move to challenge the US dollar's dominance would lead to severe economic repercussions for BRICS members. "Brics is dead the minute I mentioned that if they mess with the dollar, they will get 100% tariffs. Brics is dead," he repeated. Also read | Elon Musk wants to do business in India? Trump says 'it's very hard due of high tariffs' His comments directly addressed concerns that Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa might be exploring the creation of a unified currency, a move that some experts believe could weaken the dollar's global standing. Trump, however, made it clear that such ambitions would come at a steep price. "If any trading gets through, it’ll be 100% tariff, at least," he warned, signalling that his administration would take a hardline approach to any perceived threats to US financial supremacy. Also read | Indian PM Narendra Modi meets US President Donald Trump at White House Trump's hardline stance came just hours ahead of his scheduled meeting with Indian PM Modi. His rhetoric showed no restraint, as Trump highlighted his administration's commitment to imposing strict trade measures and announced "reciprocal tariffs" that could target both allies and rivals. "Today is the big one: reciprocal tariffs," Trump wrote on his social media platform ahead of the announcement. "They charge us a tax or tariff, and we charge them the exact tax or tariff. Very simple," he announced. (With inputs from agencies)

'BRICS is dead', declares Trump; threatens bloc with 100 pc tariffs over dollar challenge

Former United States President&nbsp;Donald Trump has opened up about his camaraderie with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailing him as a "good friend" and the "nicest human being".

Speaking on the Flagrant podcast with Andrew Schulz, Trump also revealed the instance when someone threatened India, leading to an aggressive response from PM Modi which shocked the Republican leader.&nbsp;

"On a couple of occasions, somebody was threatening India, and I told Modi, let me help as I am very good at it," said the former US president.

"To which he (Modi) aggressively responded, 'I will handle it and would do anything necessary. We have defeated them for hundreds of years.' And I said, whoa, what just happened there," he&nbsp;added.&nbsp;

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US Prez candidate Trump says 'Modi is a friend of mine &amp; the nicest human being'; Points without taking the name of Pakistan, how PM Modi assured him that India can deal with Islamabad after being offered US support. Recalls 'Howdy Modi' 
 
Source: Flagrant Podcast <a href="https://t.co/Ki8WhWzxg0">pic.twitter.com/Ki8WhWzxg0</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1844031207086191009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The former US president&nbsp;also looked back on the mega election rally called 'Howdy Modi' which he participated in alongside the Indian PM in Houston, Texas during the latter's visit in 2019.&nbsp;

"Modi… India, he's a friend of mine, he's great. Before him, they were replacing them every year, very unstable. On the outside, he looks like your father, he's the nicest guy, but he's a total killer," said Trump.&nbsp;

"They did a thing called Howdy Modi in Houston, Texas. It was me and him and it was beautiful. It was a gathering of around 80,000 people and it felt like crazy. We were walking about. Today, maybe I won't be able to do something like that."

Later in 2020, when Trump visited India, the Indian PM organised a huge rally for him, an event which also marked the opening of the world's largest cricket stadium. Over 100,000 people attended the rally, making it the largest gathering for a US president on foreign soil.

Watch |&nbsp;US: Harris Says Trump "Lacks Empathy" for Sharing Hurricane Helene Disinformation

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<h2>Modi-Trump</h2>

Ahead of PM Modi's US trip last month to attend the Quad Summit&nbsp;and address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Trump had announced that he would be meeting the "fantastic" Indian leader.&nbsp;

However, the meeting could not be formalised as New Delhi reportedly wanted to stay from Washington's domestic politics, especially with the presidential election on the horizon.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meeting-modi-news-donald-trump-says-will-meet-fantastic-indian-pm-narendra-modi-next-week-759639">Also read |&nbsp;Donald Trump says will meet 'fantastic' Indian PM Narendra Modi next week</a>

Trump is contesting against Vice President Kamala Harris and Modi meeting him would have been seen as an active endorsement by New Delhi, something which the Indian leader wanted to avoid.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former United States President Donald Trump has opened up about his camaraderie with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailing him as a "good friend" and the "nicest human being".

Former United States President Donald Trump has opened up about his camaraderie with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailing him as a "good friend" and the "nicest human being". Speaking on the Flagrant podcast with Andrew Schulz, Trump also revealed the instance when someone threatened India, leading to an aggressive response from PM Modi which shocked the Republican leader. "On a couple of occasions, somebody was threatening India, and I told Modi, let me help as I am very good at it," said the former US president. "To which he (Modi) aggressively responded, 'I will handle it and would do anything necessary. We have defeated them for hundreds of years.' And I said, whoa, what just happened there," he added. US Prez candidate Trump says 'Modi is a friend of mine & the nicest human being'; Points without taking the name of Pakistan, how PM Modi assured him that India can deal with Islamabad after being offered US support. Recalls 'Howdy Modi' Source: Flagrant Podcast pic.twitter.com/Ki8WhWzxg0 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 9, 2024 × The former US president also looked back on the mega election rally called 'Howdy Modi' which he participated in alongside the Indian PM in Houston, Texas during the latter's visit in 2019. "Modi… India, he's a friend of mine, he's great. Before him, they were replacing them every year, very unstable. On the outside, he looks like your father, he's the nicest guy, but he's a total killer," said Trump. "They did a thing called Howdy Modi in Houston, Texas. It was me and him and it was beautiful. It was a gathering of around 80,000 people and it felt like crazy. We were walking about. Today, maybe I won't be able to do something like that." Later in 2020, when Trump visited India, the Indian PM organised a huge rally for him, an event which also marked the opening of the world's largest cricket stadium. Over 100,000 people attended the rally, making it the largest gathering for a US president on foreign soil. Watch | US: Harris Says Trump "Lacks Empathy" for Sharing Hurricane Helene Disinformation × Modi-Trump Ahead of PM Modi's US trip last month to attend the Quad Summit and address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Trump had announced that he would be meeting the "fantastic" Indian leader. However, the meeting could not be formalised as New Delhi reportedly wanted to stay from Washington's domestic politics, especially with the presidential election on the horizon. Also read | Donald Trump says will meet 'fantastic' Indian PM Narendra Modi next week Trump is contesting against Vice President Kamala Harris and Modi meeting him would have been seen as an active endorsement by New Delhi, something which the Indian leader wanted to avoid. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump reveals conversation with PM Modi when 'someone' threatened India

US President Donald Trump while addressing reporters in New Delhi said that he had good relations with both PM Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while asserting that he would do anything to help solve the Kashmir issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/5g-wireless-network-should-not-be-conduit-of-suppression-censorship-says-trump-taking-a-dig-at-china-282662">Also Read:&nbsp;5G should not be conduit of suppression, says Trump taking a dig at China</a>

"We talked a lot about Pakistan with PM Modi. It's no question, it's a problem, but it's a problem they have, they're working on it," the US President said, adding, "I'll do whatever I&nbsp;have to do if I&nbsp;can do that because my relationship with both gentlemen is so good."

"We're seeing what we can do about it, anything I can do to mediate, anything I can do to help, I would do. They're working on Kashmir."

Watch Video:

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This is not the first time the US president has offered to mediate on the Kashmir issue, however, he added: "There are two sides to every story but they've been working on that very hard."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-want-countries-to-be-happy-and-healthy-says-trump-on-coronavirus-outbreak-282646">Also Read:&nbsp;We want countries to be happy and healthy, says&nbsp;Trump on coronavirus outbreak</a>

"We discussed at a great length on terrorism and I think we have some very good ideas. PM Modi is very, very strongly against terrorism," Trump told reporters.

"I will tell you Prime Minister Modi is a very, very religious man."

"As you know is a very calm man, but he's actually a very, very strong person very tough actually," the US president asserted.&nbsp;

"I've seen him in action and got that foremost in his mind terrorism. He'll take care of it," the US President added.

US President Donald Trump while addressing reporters in New Delhi said that he had good relations with both PM Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while asserting that he would do anything to help solve the Kashmir issue.

US President Donald Trump while addressing reporters in New Delhi said that he had good relations with both PM Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while asserting that he would do anything to help solve the Kashmir issue. Also Read: 5G should not be conduit of suppression, says Trump taking a dig at China "We talked a lot about Pakistan with PM Modi. It's no question, it's a problem, but it's a problem they have, they're working on it," the US President said, adding, "I'll do whatever I have to do if I can do that because my relationship with both gentlemen is so good." "We're seeing what we can do about it, anything I can do to mediate, anything I can do to help, I would do. They're working on Kashmir." Watch Video: This is not the first time the US president has offered to mediate on the Kashmir issue, however, he added: "There are two sides to every story but they've been working on that very hard." Also Read: We want countries to be happy and healthy, says Trump on coronavirus outbreak "We discussed at a great length on terrorism and I think we have some very good ideas. PM Modi is very, very strongly against terrorism," Trump told reporters. "I will tell you Prime Minister Modi is a very, very religious man." "As you know is a very calm man, but he's actually a very, very strong person very tough actually," the US president asserted. "I've seen him in action and got that foremost in his mind terrorism. He'll take care of it," the US President added.

Anything I can do to mediate, have great relations with PM Modi and Imran Khan: Trump on Kashmir

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/moderate-rhetoric-with-india-donald-trump-tells-imran-khan-after-phone-call-with-pm-narendra-modi-244280">spoke to US secretary</a> of defence&nbsp;Mark Esper today as the two ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen and deepen the relations further.

During the phone call, Rajnath Singh invited US companies to invest in India's defence manufacturing sector under the "Make in India" programme.

Rajnath Singh raised the issue of cross-border terrorism affecting India and appreciated US support for India’s effort to maintain peace and stability in the region, the Ministry of Defence said.

Watch Video:

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Rajnath Singh said that issues relating to Article 370 are an internal matter of India which is&nbsp;aimed at improving growth and economic development, democracy and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Esper while speaking to Rajnath appreciated India’s position that the recent developments in Jammu &amp; Kashmir were an internal matter of India and hoped that any issue between India and Pakistan would be resolved bilaterally, the ministry of defence said in a statement.

Both the ministers exchanged views on a range of issues relating&nbsp;to military-to-military cooperation, defence policy, R&amp;D cooperation, defence trade, technology and industrial cooperation.&nbsp;

Esper and Rajnath Singh expressed satisfaction on the first tri-service joint exercise planned for later this year and steps taken to operationalise agreements like LEMOA and COMCASA. 
&nbsp; 
On Monday, PM Modi had called<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committed-towards-regional-peace-pm-modi-to-president-trump-244225"> President Trump </a>to speak on similar lines with the Indian prime minister informing the US president that "certain nations" were spreading anti-India propaganda.&nbsp;

After the phone call with Modi, Trump called PM Imran Khan and discussed the need to reduce tensions and "moderate rhetoric with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir."

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to US secretary of defence Mark Esper today as the two ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen and deepen the relations further.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to US secretary of defence Mark Esper today as the two ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen and deepen the relations further. During the phone call, Rajnath Singh invited US companies to invest in India's defence manufacturing sector under the "Make in India" programme. Rajnath Singh raised the issue of cross-border terrorism affecting India and appreciated US support for India’s effort to maintain peace and stability in the region, the Ministry of Defence said. Watch Video: Rajnath Singh said that issues relating to Article 370 are an internal matter of India which is aimed at improving growth and economic development, democracy and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Esper while speaking to Rajnath appreciated India’s position that the recent developments in Jammu & Kashmir were an internal matter of India and hoped that any issue between India and Pakistan would be resolved bilaterally, the ministry of defence said in a statement. Both the ministers exchanged views on a range of issues relating to military-to-military cooperation, defence policy, R&D cooperation, defence trade, technology and industrial cooperation. Esper and Rajnath Singh expressed satisfaction on the first tri-service joint exercise planned for later this year and steps taken to operationalise agreements like LEMOA and COMCASA. On Monday, PM Modi had called President Trump to speak on similar lines with the Indian prime minister informing the US president that "certain nations" were spreading anti-India propaganda. After the phone call with Modi, Trump called PM Imran Khan and discussed the need to reduce tensions and "moderate rhetoric with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir."

Issues relating to Article 370 internal matter of India: Rajnath Singh to US secretary of defence Esper

U.S seeks increased Defence cooperation with India

US Pushes for better ties with India

With an eye on countering increasing Chinese influence in key <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modi-hai-to-mumkin-hai-says-pompeo-ahead-of-india-visit-226682">South Asian countries</a>, the Trump administration has sought $30 million for what it has described as "Bay of Bengal" security initiative to provide foreign military financing to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives.

This is in addition to the $64 million already announced by the Trump administration for regional activities to support <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-an-important-part-of-president-trumps-strategy-in-indo-pacific-pompeo-226121">infrastructure growth and connectivity</a>.&nbsp;

"We request that Congress support the department's new security cooperation programme in South Asia, the Bay of Bengal Initiative, with $30 million in foreign military financing that will build maritime and border security capacity for Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives," Alice G Wells senior State Department official for South and Central Asian Affairs told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Non-proliferation in a prepared statement on Wednesday.

The sub-committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on US Interests in South Asia and the FY 2020 Budget on Thursday.&nbsp;

"We also request $64 million for regional activities to support raising infrastructure standards, supporting regional energy and digital connectivity, and bolstering cyber security," she said in her prepared remarks submitted to the Congressional sub-committee.&nbsp;

The Department continues to explore options for providing additional resources to support the Indo-Pacific Strategy in line with this request, and if available it intends to return to Congress to discuss them, she said.

With the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, she said, the Trump administration stands together with Congress by signalling to the region that America, itself an Indo-Pacific nation, is committed to promoting mutual prosperity.&nbsp;

The Department requests $468 million for South Asia for the fiscal 2020 which increases regional economic and security assistance, as well as development funding for India and Maldives. This more than doubles US' fiscal 2019 request, she added.

In the Indo-Pacific, the Trump administration is committed to ensuring a rules-based order, with free and open commerce, freedom of navigation, democracy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, Wells said.

These principles have helped to improve living standards for half of the world's population living in the Indo-Pacific region, and they remain critical for the region's long-term future, she said.&nbsp;

Seventy per cent of global commerce passes through the oceans of the Indo-Pacific, and the US will protect its seas and skies through our diplomatic engagement, development efforts, and security cooperation, she noted.&nbsp;

At the same time, the US, alongside India, Japan, Australia, and other trusted allies and partners, will support the political and economic autonomy of Indo-Pacific countries to ensure they can chart their own path to freedom and prosperity, as satellites to none, she told the lawmakers.&nbsp;

"We cannot allow China, or any other country, to subvert our partners through unsustainable infrastructure projects that push economies into unsustainable debt, or by contributing to an erosion of transparency and democratic norms," Wells said in her prepared remarks.

She told lawmakers that the Maldives is testament to the power of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

"Maldives is testament to the power of a free, open and rules-based Indo Pacific region," Wells said.&nbsp;

Commending the election of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on a platform of transparency and anti-corruption, she said the new Maldivian leader has taken aim at the preceding regime's secretive procurements of debt-laden, vanity infrastructure and has strengthened his outreach to the US and India.&nbsp;

"Maldives is an exciting new Indo-Pacific partner, and an example of how engaged voters and civil society can push back against corruption and authoritarian tendencies in favour of transparency and human rights," Wells said.

The US she said, stands with Sri Lanka in investigating recent terrorist attacks and strengthening its counterterrorism capabilities.&nbsp;

"The FBI quickly deployed at the request of the Sri Lankan government and helped dismantle the local terrorist organisations that carried out these attacks," she told the lawmakers in her prepared statement.&nbsp;

"Now we are assessing ways in which we may support the Sri Lankan government while it re-orients its security apparatus toward addressing international terrorism, and we will continue to impress upon Sri Lanka the need to respect human rights, including for members of minority groups, refugees, and asylum seekers," Wells said.&nbsp;

In her prepared remarks, Wells said Bhutan shares the US views on dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and is aligned with our objectives in the region. On Nepal, she said the US has encouraged it to take on a more proactive role in the Indo-Pacific region, and urge it to enforce UN Security Council Resolutions related to North Korea, among other priority global issues.

The fiscal 2020 request will enable the US to advance their mutual interest to help Nepal protect its sovereignty, enhance its security, and pursue prosperity, she said.

With an eye on countering increasing Chinese influence in key South Asian countries, the Trump administration has sought $30 million for what it has described as "Bay of Bengal" security initiative to provide foreign military financing to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives.

With an eye on countering increasing Chinese influence in key South Asian countries, the Trump administration has sought $30 million for what it has described as "Bay of Bengal" security initiative to provide foreign military financing to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives. This is in addition to the $64 million already announced by the Trump administration for regional activities to support infrastructure growth and connectivity. "We request that Congress support the department's new security cooperation programme in South Asia, the Bay of Bengal Initiative, with $30 million in foreign military financing that will build maritime and border security capacity for Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives," Alice G Wells senior State Department official for South and Central Asian Affairs told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Non-proliferation in a prepared statement on Wednesday. The sub-committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on US Interests in South Asia and the FY 2020 Budget on Thursday. "We also request $64 million for regional activities to support raising infrastructure standards, supporting regional energy and digital connectivity, and bolstering cyber security," she said in her prepared remarks submitted to the Congressional sub-committee. The Department continues to explore options for providing additional resources to support the Indo-Pacific Strategy in line with this request, and if available it intends to return to Congress to discuss them, she said. With the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, she said, the Trump administration stands together with Congress by signalling to the region that America, itself an Indo-Pacific nation, is committed to promoting mutual prosperity. The Department requests $468 million for South Asia for the fiscal 2020 which increases regional economic and security assistance, as well as development funding for India and Maldives. This more than doubles US' fiscal 2019 request, she added. In the Indo-Pacific, the Trump administration is committed to ensuring a rules-based order, with free and open commerce, freedom of navigation, democracy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, Wells said. These principles have helped to improve living standards for half of the world's population living in the Indo-Pacific region, and they remain critical for the region's long-term future, she said. Seventy per cent of global commerce passes through the oceans of the Indo-Pacific, and the US will protect its seas and skies through our diplomatic engagement, development efforts, and security cooperation, she noted. At the same time, the US, alongside India, Japan, Australia, and other trusted allies and partners, will support the political and economic autonomy of Indo-Pacific countries to ensure they can chart their own path to freedom and prosperity, as satellites to none, she told the lawmakers. "We cannot allow China, or any other country, to subvert our partners through unsustainable infrastructure projects that push economies into unsustainable debt, or by contributing to an erosion of transparency and democratic norms," Wells said in her prepared remarks. She told lawmakers that the Maldives is testament to the power of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. "Maldives is testament to the power of a free, open and rules-based Indo Pacific region," Wells said. Commending the election of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on a platform of transparency and anti-corruption, she said the new Maldivian leader has taken aim at the preceding regime's secretive procurements of debt-laden, vanity infrastructure and has strengthened his outreach to the US and India. "Maldives is an exciting new Indo-Pacific partner, and an example of how engaged voters and civil society can push back against corruption and authoritarian tendencies in favour of transparency and human rights," Wells said. The US she said, stands with Sri Lanka in investigating recent terrorist attacks and strengthening its counterterrorism capabilities. "The FBI quickly deployed at the request of the Sri Lankan government and helped dismantle the local terrorist organisations that carried out these attacks," she told the lawmakers in her prepared statement. "Now we are assessing ways in which we may support the Sri Lankan government while it re-orients its security apparatus toward addressing international terrorism, and we will continue to impress upon Sri Lanka the need to respect human rights, including for members of minority groups, refugees, and asylum seekers," Wells said. In her prepared remarks, Wells said Bhutan shares the US views on dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and is aligned with our objectives in the region. On Nepal, she said the US has encouraged it to take on a more proactive role in the Indo-Pacific region, and urge it to enforce UN Security Council Resolutions related to North Korea, among other priority global issues. The fiscal 2020 request will enable the US to advance their mutual interest to help Nepal protect its sovereignty, enhance its security, and pursue prosperity, she said.

Eye on China: US government seeks more funding from Congress to bolster Bay of Bengal military security

US President Donald Trump said that even though<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariff-king-india-wants-trade-talks-us-immediately-says-trump-168847"> India has reduced its import tariff </a>on American motorcycles from 100 per cent to 50 per cent, it is still too high and not acceptable to him.

Trump said the United States, under his leadership, is a country that can no longer be fooled.

"We're not the foolish country that does so badly. You look at India, very good friend of mine, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, you take a look at what they've done, 100 per cent tax on a motorcycle. We charge them nothing," Trump told CBS news in an interview on Monday.&nbsp;

Trump was referring to the import tariff on the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-certainly-not-a-tariff-king-says-world-bank-official-on-donald-trumps-remarks-174726"> Harley Davidson motorcycles</a>, an issue that has been close to his heart and wants India to reduce it to zero.

"So, when Harley sends over there, they have 100 per cent tax. When they (India) send in,&nbsp;they make a tremendous number of motorcycles,&nbsp;&nbsp;when they send them in, no tax. I called him. I said it's unacceptable,"&nbsp;Trump said, referring to his conversation with Prime Minister Modi.

"He (Modi) reduced it by 50 per cent with one phone call. I said it's still unacceptable because it's 50 per cent versus nothing. It's still unacceptable. And they're working on it," he said, indicating that the two countries are still in talks to resolve the issue of import tariffs on American motorcycles.

"But if I didn't, if we didn't have the power of what we have, and if we weren't the bank - well, if we weren't the bank we wouldn't even be talking about it because nobody would care. But we're the bank that everybody wants to rob, and that's what they've been doing for a long period of time. $800 billion we have in trade deficits with other countries. So you tell me who made those deals,"&nbsp;he said in response to a question.

US President Donald Trump said that even though India has reduced its import tariff on American motorcycles from 100 per cent to 50 per cent, it is still too high and not acceptable to him.

US President Donald Trump said that even though India has reduced its import tariff on American motorcycles from 100 per cent to 50 per cent, it is still too high and not acceptable to him. Trump said the United States, under his leadership, is a country that can no longer be fooled. "We're not the foolish country that does so badly. You look at India, very good friend of mine, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, you take a look at what they've done, 100 per cent tax on a motorcycle. We charge them nothing," Trump told CBS news in an interview on Monday. Trump was referring to the import tariff on the Harley Davidson motorcycles, an issue that has been close to his heart and wants India to reduce it to zero. "So, when Harley sends over there, they have 100 per cent tax. When they (India) send in, they make a tremendous number of motorcycles, when they send them in, no tax. I called him. I said it's unacceptable," Trump said, referring to his conversation with Prime Minister Modi. "He (Modi) reduced it by 50 per cent with one phone call. I said it's still unacceptable because it's 50 per cent versus nothing. It's still unacceptable. And they're working on it," he said, indicating that the two countries are still in talks to resolve the issue of import tariffs on American motorcycles. "But if I didn't, if we didn't have the power of what we have, and if we weren't the bank - well, if we weren't the bank we wouldn't even be talking about it because nobody would care. But we're the bank that everybody wants to rob, and that's what they've been doing for a long period of time. $800 billion we have in trade deficits with other countries. So you tell me who made those deals," he said in response to a question.

Modi reduced tariffs on Harley Davidson motorcycles by 50%, I said it was still unacceptable: Trump

Afghanistan's National Security Advisor (NSA)<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-trumps-jibe-india-says-developmental-assistance-transforming-afghanistan-188038"> Hamdullah Mohib on Friday met India's </a>NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad House in which both sides had a detailed exchange of views about the recent developments in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

NSA Mohib appreciated assistance provided by India for economic development and reconstruction of Afghanistan and also for human resource development, including training of Afghan national defence and security forces in India.&nbsp;

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Held productive meetings in India with my counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and other security officials on regional stability, the democratic progress and ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan, and bilateral security cooperation. <a href="https://t.co/KfuDi47GIo">pic.twitter.com/KfuDi47GIo</a>
— Hamdullah Mohib (@hmohib) <a href="https://twitter.com/hmohib/status/1081165135580823552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This comes just a day after US president Donald<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955"> Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi </a>and India's aid to Afghanistan and said, “I could give you an example where I get along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi. But he is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan. Library! We are supposed to say, oh thank you for the library. Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan."

Mohib briefed the Indian side about the security situation, the holding of Parliamentary elections, scheduled presidential elections and efforts of the Afghanistan government towards peace and reconciliation.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Hamdullah Mohib said: "Held productive meetings in India with my counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and other security officials on regional stability, the democratic progress and ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan&nbsp;and bilateral security cooperation."

NSA Doval conveyed India's continued support to Afghanistan in its efforts to bring peace, security and prosperity in the country. He reiterated New Delhi's stand on the Afghan peace process that it should be "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled. "

According to a release by the ministry of external affairs, India called on regional and international partners of Afghanistan "to work keeping in mind the priorities, wishes and desire of the Afghan people."

The release added&nbsp;that "India welcomes the fact that the people of Afghanistan have time and again reposed faith in democratic governance and the forthcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan will further deepen the roots of democracy in Afghanistan."

The NSA meet happens when the situation in Afghanistan is rapidly evolving with Russia, Iran, Pakistan and US all engaged in talks with Taliban, though the Afghan government is not pleased with talks involving the terror group.&nbsp;

The US media has been reporting that US may withdraw 7,000 troops from Afghanistan though it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon. Top Indian government sources last week told WION that New Delhi is "closely watching" recent development in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan.

Last year India participated in the Moscow talks on Afghanistan in which the Taliban also took part. India participated at non-official level sending 2 former diplomats-- Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan &amp; TCA Raghavan at the non-official level at the Moscow talks.

Mohib is the first high-level member of the Afghan government to visit India.

The Afghan NSA has invited NSA Doval to visit Afghanistan and the invitation has been accepted.

Next week former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and United State's special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit India for Raisina Dialogue. This will the first official visit by Zalmay to India in his capacity as the special representative of US for Afghanistan and he will be meeting Indian leadership.

Afghanistan's National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib on Friday met India's NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad House in which both sides had a detailed exchange of views about the recent developments in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib on Friday met India's NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad House in which both sides had a detailed exchange of views about the recent developments in Afghanistan. NSA Mohib appreciated assistance provided by India for economic development and reconstruction of Afghanistan and also for human resource development, including training of Afghan national defence and security forces in India. Held productive meetings in India with my counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and other security officials on regional stability, the democratic progress and ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan, and bilateral security cooperation. pic.twitter.com/KfuDi47GIo — Hamdullah Mohib (@hmohib) January 4, 2019 × This comes just a day after US president Donald Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi and India's aid to Afghanistan and said, “I could give you an example where I get along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi. But he is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan. Library! We are supposed to say, oh thank you for the library. Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan." Mohib briefed the Indian side about the security situation, the holding of Parliamentary elections, scheduled presidential elections and efforts of the Afghanistan government towards peace and reconciliation. In a tweet, Hamdullah Mohib said: "Held productive meetings in India with my counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and other security officials on regional stability, the democratic progress and ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan and bilateral security cooperation." NSA Doval conveyed India's continued support to Afghanistan in its efforts to bring peace, security and prosperity in the country. He reiterated New Delhi's stand on the Afghan peace process that it should be "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled. " According to a release by the ministry of external affairs, India called on regional and international partners of Afghanistan "to work keeping in mind the priorities, wishes and desire of the Afghan people." The release added that "India welcomes the fact that the people of Afghanistan have time and again reposed faith in democratic governance and the forthcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan will further deepen the roots of democracy in Afghanistan." The NSA meet happens when the situation in Afghanistan is rapidly evolving with Russia, Iran, Pakistan and US all engaged in talks with Taliban, though the Afghan government is not pleased with talks involving the terror group. The US media has been reporting that US may withdraw 7,000 troops from Afghanistan though it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon. Top Indian government sources last week told WION that New Delhi is "closely watching" recent development in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan. Last year India participated in the Moscow talks on Afghanistan in which the Taliban also took part. India participated at non-official level sending 2 former diplomats-- Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan & TCA Raghavan at the non-official level at the Moscow talks. Mohib is the first high-level member of the Afghan government to visit India. The Afghan NSA has invited NSA Doval to visit Afghanistan and the invitation has been accepted. Next week former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and United State's special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit India for Raisina Dialogue. This will the first official visit by Zalmay to India in his capacity as the special representative of US for Afghanistan and he will be meeting Indian leadership.

Day after Trump's jibe at Modi, Afghan government thanks India's assistance

India has reacted to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">US President Donald Trump's jibe&nbsp;</a> at Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocking India's development aid to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Top sources speaking to WION said: "India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives. India plays a significant role in Afghanistan as a development partner. This partnership is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the government of Afghanistan. It is aimed at the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and for a tangible improvement in the lives of its people."&nbsp;

The sources further added that "India seeks to build capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and its institutions for governance and delivery of public service, develop socio-economic infrastructure, secure lives and promote livelihood."&nbsp;

Sources ruled out India sending troops to the country saying we "do not send armed forces abroad except under the specific mandate of UN Peacekeeping Operations."&nbsp;

The US president in his first cabinet meet of the year had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and prime minister Modi", PM Modi "is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan" and added "don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan".&nbsp;

India's development partnership is premised on five pillars - infrastructure, capacity building, humanitarian assistance, economic development and connectivity.&nbsp;

On the infrastructure front, India is building a 218 km road from Zaranj to Delaram for facilitating movement of goods and services to the Iranian border.&nbsp;

The highway will connect Iran with the Garland highway, which links Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif Herat and Kunduz. The construction of 220kV DC transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul and a 220/110/20 kV sub-station at Chimtala will not only bring electricity and light to smaller towns and villages but also provide a key element of security for Afghan and US forces.&nbsp;

The India prime minister along with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had inaugurated the India-Afghanistan friendship dam (Salma Dam). The dam has an installed capacity of 42 MW and supplies water for irrigating 75,000 hectares of land. Since its inauguration in 2016, the project has been generating electricity and releasing water for irrigation. The new Afghan parliament is also built with Indian support.&nbsp;

On capacity building, more than 3,500 Afghans are undergoing various training programmes in India. New Delhi also offers 500 Indian technical and economic cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually.&nbsp;

As far as humanitarian assistance is concerned, India has supplied of 1.1 million MT of wheat to Afghanistan. The Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health IGICH - a 400-bed hospital is the main hospital in Afghanistan and caters to the well-being of children from all across Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Also, the direct air freight corridor between India and Afghanistan established in 2017 has increased the market for Afghan good in India.

India has reacted to US President Donald Trump's jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocking India's development aid to Afghanistan. Top sources speaking to WION said: "India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives.

India has reacted to US President Donald Trump's jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocking India's development aid to Afghanistan. Top sources speaking to WION said: "India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives. India plays a significant role in Afghanistan as a development partner. This partnership is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the government of Afghanistan. It is aimed at the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and for a tangible improvement in the lives of its people." The sources further added that "India seeks to build capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and its institutions for governance and delivery of public service, develop socio-economic infrastructure, secure lives and promote livelihood." Sources ruled out India sending troops to the country saying we "do not send armed forces abroad except under the specific mandate of UN Peacekeeping Operations." The US president in his first cabinet meet of the year had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and prime minister Modi", PM Modi "is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan" and added "don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan". India's development partnership is premised on five pillars - infrastructure, capacity building, humanitarian assistance, economic development and connectivity. On the infrastructure front, India is building a 218 km road from Zaranj to Delaram for facilitating movement of goods and services to the Iranian border. The highway will connect Iran with the Garland highway, which links Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif Herat and Kunduz. The construction of 220kV DC transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul and a 220/110/20 kV sub-station at Chimtala will not only bring electricity and light to smaller towns and villages but also provide a key element of security for Afghan and US forces. The India prime minister along with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had inaugurated the India-Afghanistan friendship dam (Salma Dam). The dam has an installed capacity of 42 MW and supplies water for irrigating 75,000 hectares of land. Since its inauguration in 2016, the project has been generating electricity and releasing water for irrigation. The new Afghan parliament is also built with Indian support. On capacity building, more than 3,500 Afghans are undergoing various training programmes in India. New Delhi also offers 500 Indian technical and economic cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually. As far as humanitarian assistance is concerned, India has supplied of 1.1 million MT of wheat to Afghanistan. The Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health IGICH - a 400-bed hospital is the main hospital in Afghanistan and caters to the well-being of children from all across Afghanistan. Also, the direct air freight corridor between India and Afghanistan established in 2017 has increased the market for Afghan good in India.

After Trump's jibe, India says developmental assistance transforming Afghanistan

Indian media has substantial coverage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s trip to Washington. In contrast, US media has barely a mention of the trip. This reflects the difference in expectations: India hopes this trip will impact the country&#39;s destiny, whereas America, outside the Indian diaspora, doesn&#39;t really know who Modi is. The fate of America&nbsp;does not depend on&nbsp;its links to India.

In the lead up to their meeting, the Washington Post didn&#39;t carry any articles about Modi, but did have one about the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/06/24/how-can-they-hate-us-so-much-asks-father-of-muslim-teen-brutally-killed-in-attack-on-train-in-india/?utm_term=.31682ec6312f" target="_blank">Muslim </a>16-year-old thrashed to death on a train by a Hindu mob who were under the impression the kid was a &quot;beef-eater, an anti-national, a Pakistani&quot;.&nbsp;Indians here may feel this coverage is typical of the West, which instinctively&nbsp;and eagerly portrays the country in an&nbsp;unmodern&nbsp;light, rather than take up the narrative it is the world&#39;s new up and coming economy in the region.

Except the West is not uniformly under the impression that India is the new place to do business, despite savvy middle class&nbsp;India&#39;s opinion&nbsp;of itself. In the lead up to the meeting, a&nbsp;widely-shared <a href="http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21723830-he-more-nationalist-firebrand-indias-prime-minister-not-much-reformer" target="_blank">Economist </a>article called Modi &quot;not much of a reformer&quot; in the headline, and the<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/06/24/technology/24reuters-usa-india-trade.html" target="_blank"> New York Times</a> carried an article saying US congressman are calling on Trump to urge Modi&nbsp;to &quot;remove barriers to US trade and investment&quot;, something which Modi supporters feel has already happened. Indians&nbsp;who have endured&nbsp;the shock of demonetisation, and who have heard about India&#39;s new cashless economy and all the BJP&#39;s economic reforms,&nbsp;may be surprised to learn that&nbsp;the World Bank ranked&nbsp;India 130th out of 190 countries for ease of doing business.

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<h5>Trump&#39;s&nbsp;mob links are real and numerous and go back for decades. He&nbsp;has structured his White House administration on the mafia pattern, literally surrounding himself with&nbsp;family members&nbsp;whose only qualification for office&nbsp;is family loyalty.</h5>
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That NYT article was published June 24th, and&nbsp;the website had no mention of the Indian Prime Minister when he landed in Washington.

It&#39;s true that before the&nbsp;meeting the US pledged to supply&nbsp;22 armed predator Guardian drones to the Indian Navy. This is said to boost the Navy&#39;s intelligence gathering, and is a deal worth $2-3 billion. Perhaps this was an offering to India, to help open things up along the terms Big Business wants, or perhaps it&#39;s a run of the mill military exchange between countries. Coherence from this&nbsp;US administration is non-existent;&nbsp;Trump called Qatar a state sponsor of terrorism, then days later the US agreed to supply&nbsp;them with $12 billion worth in jets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Modi met the head&nbsp;of&nbsp;Wal Mart, who&nbsp;called their meeting &quot;fruitful&quot;. Who knows what this means for relations between the two countries?&nbsp;In the days to come&nbsp;there will be more symbolic statements and photo ops, but&nbsp;what they symbolize is anybody&#39;s guess.&nbsp;

It&#39;s hard to read because President&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;is a&nbsp;sociopathic kleptocrat. He is fundamentally untrustworthy,&nbsp;guided solely by what benefits his private wealth and hold on power. Trump&#39;s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.salon.com/2017/05/16/watch-dutch-documentary-investigates-trumps-links-to-russian-mob/" target="_blank">mob </a>links are real and numerous and go back for decades. He&nbsp;has structured his White House administration on the mafia pattern, literally surrounding himself with&nbsp;family members&nbsp;whose only qualification for office&nbsp;is family loyalty.&nbsp;

Boding well for India is the fact that he has Trump Hotels&nbsp;in Mumbai and&nbsp;Pune. This probably means more than his vocal criticism of India for only participating in the Paris climate accord, where he&nbsp;<a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/dismissing-donald-trumps-snarl-india-vows-to-stay-on-the-green-path/articleshow/58969162.cms" target="_blank">said</a>, &quot;India makes its participation contingent on receiving billions and billions and billions of dollars in foreign aid from developed countries.&quot;&nbsp;

Before taking any statement from Trump&#39;s mouth seriously, recall the &quot;bizarre and reckless&quot; phone call he had, just after being&nbsp;named the winner of the US election,&nbsp;with&nbsp;Pakistan Prime Minister&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif: &quot;You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every&nbsp;way.&quot;&nbsp;Yet Indian media is convinced that Trump is a partner in the fight against Pakistan terror. Maybe he will be. It&#39;s impossible to know. Trump&nbsp;speaks from three sides of his mouth.

Indians who are under the mistaken belief&nbsp;that the US President is a stable&nbsp;adult who operates within democratic or even economic norms&nbsp;may try to read for clues to speculate about India&#39;s&nbsp;future with Washington. Trump is&nbsp;only loyal to his ego, money and power. Everything else will be determined in time.

(WION)

Trump cares about Trump, not India, or for that matter even America. Predicting the future of India-US ties without understanding this is hopeless

Indian media has substantial coverage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Washington. In contrast, US media has barely a mention of the trip. This reflects the difference in expectations: India hopes this trip will impact the country's destiny, whereas America, outside the Indian diaspora, doesn't really know who Modi is. The fate of America does not depend on its links to India. In the lead up to their meeting, the Washington Post didn't carry any articles about Modi, but did have one about the Muslim 16-year-old thrashed to death on a train by a Hindu mob who were under the impression the kid was a "beef-eater, an anti-national, a Pakistani". Indians here may feel this coverage is typical of the West, which instinctively and eagerly portrays the country in an unmodern light, rather than take up the narrative it is the world's new up and coming economy in the region. Except the West is not uniformly under the impression that India is the new place to do business, despite savvy middle class India's opinion of itself. In the lead up to the meeting, a widely-shared Economist article called Modi "not much of a reformer" in the headline, and the New York Times carried an article saying US congressman are calling on Trump to urge Modi to "remove barriers to US trade and investment", something which Modi supporters feel has already happened. Indians who have endured the shock of demonetisation, and who have heard about India's new cashless economy and all the BJP's economic reforms, may be surprised to learn that the World Bank ranked India 130th out of 190 countries for ease of doing business. Trump's mob links are real and numerous and go back for decades. He has structured his White House administration on the mafia pattern, literally surrounding himself with family members whose only qualification for office is family loyalty. × That NYT article was published June 24th, and the website had no mention of the Indian Prime Minister when he landed in Washington. It's true that before the meeting the US pledged to supply 22 armed predator Guardian drones to the Indian Navy. This is said to boost the Navy's intelligence gathering, and is a deal worth $2-3 billion. Perhaps this was an offering to India, to help open things up along the terms Big Business wants, or perhaps it's a run of the mill military exchange between countries. Coherence from this US administration is non-existent; Trump called Qatar a state sponsor of terrorism, then days later the US agreed to supply them with $12 billion worth in jets. Modi met the head of Wal Mart, who called their meeting "fruitful". Who knows what this means for relations between the two countries? In the days to come there will be more symbolic statements and photo ops, but what they symbolize is anybody's guess. It's hard to read because President Trump is a sociopathic kleptocrat. He is fundamentally untrustworthy, guided solely by what benefits his private wealth and hold on power. Trump's mob links are real and numerous and go back for decades. He has structured his White House administration on the mafia pattern, literally surrounding himself with family members whose only qualification for office is family loyalty. Boding well for India is the fact that he has Trump Hotels in Mumbai and Pune. This probably means more than his vocal criticism of India for only participating in the Paris climate accord, where he said, "India makes its participation contingent on receiving billions and billions and billions of dollars in foreign aid from developed countries." Before taking any statement from Trump's mouth seriously, recall the "bizarre and reckless" phone call he had, just after being named the winner of the US election, with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif: "You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way." Yet Indian media is convinced that Trump is a partner in the fight against Pakistan terror. Maybe he will be. It's impossible to know. Trump speaks from three sides of his mouth. Indians who are under the mistaken belief that the US President is a stable adult who operates within democratic or even economic norms may try to read for clues to speculate about India's future with Washington. Trump is only loyal to his ego, money and power. Everything else will be determined in time. (WION)

Opinion: Indian PM Modi meets mob-linked president on his home turf

United States President Donald Trump will speak to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the phone late on Tuesday.

The White House released Trump&#39;s schedule for Tuesday and said, &quot;President speaks with Indian Prime Minister at 1:00&nbsp;pm Washington time.&quot;

The scheduled time for the talks between the two leaders according to Indian standard time is 11:30 pm.

Prime Minister Modi would be the fifth foreign leader to hold talks with Trump after he was sworn in as the 45th US President on Friday.

Trump will afterwards meet the CIA director Mike Pompeo at 1:30 pm and with key Senate leaders at 3:00 pm.&nbsp;

(ANI)&nbsp;

Modi would be the fifth foreign leader to hold talks with Trump after he was sworn in as the 45th US President on Friday

United States President Donald Trump will speak to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the phone late on Tuesday. The White House released Trump's schedule for Tuesday and said, "President speaks with Indian Prime Minister at 1:00 pm Washington time." The scheduled time for the talks between the two leaders according to Indian standard time is 11:30 pm. Prime Minister Modi would be the fifth foreign leader to hold talks with Trump after he was sworn in as the 45th US President on Friday. Trump will afterwards meet the CIA director Mike Pompeo at 1:30 pm and with key Senate leaders at 3:00 pm. (ANI)

Trump to hold talks with PM Modi over phone tonight

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