US President Donald Trump made an unexpected phone call during an event at the US Embassy in New Delhi on Sunday, attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, underlining his warm ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The call, played on speaker during celebrations marking America’s 250th Independence Day, saw Trump praise both India and PM Modi. “I love India. PM Modi is great and a friend of mine,” Trump said, while assuring that India could always rely on his support whenever needed.
Highlighting America’s economic performance, Trump said the US was achieving record growth and reiterated his admiration for the Indian Prime Minister. He also lauded Rubio, describing him as one of the finest Secretaries of State in US history, and asked attendees to convey his greetings to Modi.
Speaking later at the event, Sergio Gor said Trump frequently enquires about PM Modi during their conversations, reflecting the close rapport shared by the two leaders. He added that the relationship between Trump and Modi has been consistent over the years.
Trump has on several previous occasions referred to Modi as a close friend and publicly appreciated his leadership, while expressing readiness to strengthen support for India.
Meanwhile, Rubio is on a four-day visit to India. During his meeting with PM Modi on Saturday, he conveyed Trump’s invitation for the Prime Minister to visit the White House. Discussions between the two sides covered the West Asia crisis, the Indo-Pacific region, and ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.
According to the US State Department, both leaders agreed to expand trade and defence ties, while Washington is also exploring wider cooperation under the Quad framework. |
