Anti-India rhetoric by some regional leaders not good for peace: Modi to Trump

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, August 19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told US President Donald Trump that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region was not conducive to peace.

In a 30-minute telephone conversation with President Trump, PM Modi underscored the importance of creating an environment free from terror and violence and eschewing cross-border terrorism without exception. The reference was obviously to Pakistan leadership, including Prime Minister Imran Khan who are makings provocative statements ever since Parliament scrapped provision granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

“The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to cooperate with anyone who followed this path, in fighting poverty, illiteracy and disease,” an official release said here, adding their conversation covered bilateral and regional matters and was marked by the warmth and cordiality which characterises the relations between the two leaders.

The Prime Minister recalled their meeting in Osaka on the margins of G-20 summit in June-end. Referring to their bilateral discussions in Osaka, the Prime Minister expressed the hope that the Commerce Minister of India and the US Trade Representative would meet at an early date to discuss bilateral trade prospects for mutual benefit.

Recalling that today marked the 100 years of the Independence of Afghanistan, PM Modi reiterated India’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to work for united, secure, democratic and truly independent Afghanistan. 

The discussion in the context of Afghanistan assumes significance in the wake of reports that Taliban and the US-led talks is ending amid indications that President Trump set a deadline of September 1 as the he wants to pull out/reduce American military presence in the country.

The Prime Minister stated that he appreciated remaining in regular touch with President Trump, the release added.