Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed strategic cooperation on Afghanistan and trade issues on Monday.
The conversation came days after the American leader argued for greater Indian contribution for ending the civil war in Afghanistan.
A White House readout on the conversation said that the two leaders discussed security issues.
“President Trump received a call today from Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on the occastion of the New Year. The leaders agreed to strengthen the U.S.-India strategic partnership in 2019 and exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the U.S. trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan,” said a readout from the White House.
The two leaders also exchanged greetings for the New Year.
The call came just hours after President Vladimir Putin of Russia spoke to Mr. Modi and wished the latter for the upcoming Indian general election.
“They expressed satisfaction at the progress in India-U.S. strategic partnership in 2018. They appreciated developments such as the launch of the new 2+2 Dialogue mechanism and the first-ever Trilateral Summit of India, the U.S. and Japan,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a press statement.
