In a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump sought reduction of tensions between India and Pakistan, the White House said in a statement.
During the 30-minute conversation, the two leaders also discussed regional developments and the ways to “strengthen U.S.-India economic ties through increased trade”, the statement said.
“The President conveyed the importance of reducing tensions between India and Pakistan and maintaining peace in the region,” the White House said.
The call comes close on the heels of a telephonic conversation on Friday between Mr. Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Mr. Khan had spoken to Mr. Trump on the same morning as a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting was being held to discuss Kashmir and India’s abrogation of Article 370 (special status for Kashmir) .
On his part, Mr. Modi told Mr. Trump on Monday that encouraging anti-India violence would not ensure regional peace. The Trump-Modi telephonic conversation is the first direct communication between the two leaders since India ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on August 5.
‘Not conducive to peace’
“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 were not conducive to peace,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on the conversation, without referring to Pakistan.
“The two leaders recounted the June meeting in Japan’s Osaka where they participated in the G20 summit.
“He [the Prime Minister] highlighted the importance of creating an environment free from terror and violence and eschewing cross-border terrorism without exception,” the Ministry of External Affairs said, summing up Mr. Modi’s message during the conversation.
In Monday’s discussion, both leaders also discussed the Afghan scenario.
