Pitching great deal of making India as hub of immense opportunities, PM Modi and US Vice Prez Mike Pence discuss enhancing bilateral ties

NewsBharati    14-Nov-2018
Total Views |

Singapore, November 14: On the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit heading in Singapore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his interaction with United States Vice President Mike Pence said that there is a great opportunity for US to make defence equipment’s in India and set up defence Industry as India can become a hub of export to the rest of the region.

 

Briefing media, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhle said, US Vice Prez Pence acknowledged that India has made substantial progress economically and diplomatically in regional and international affairs. He also appreciated the strong leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

Further adding he said both sides agreed that there has been substantial enhancement in defence related import of equipment from US. The foreign secretary said both leaders also discussed terrorism. He said referring to coming up anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks, US Vice Prez Pence appreciated the cooperation built between US and India on counter terrorism. 

 

Prime Minister Modi reminded that in one way or the other all the traces and the leads in global terror attacks ultimately lead to a single source and pointed out that people involved in Mumbai terror attacks and their involvement in recent election in Pakistan should be a matter of great concern not only for India and the US, but to the entire international community. Reclining to it, Pence said he feels that India is a positive factor in regional and international relations. He said US looks forward to working with India on various issues both on the political side and economic side to ensure that they have fair rules based on international order.

Referring to his speech during Shangri la dialogue in June this year on Indo Pacific region, Prime Minister Modi said his vision on the subject was gaining acceptability. He said they should utilise the East Asia Summit to further build upon that. Vice President Pence said India’s contribution in ensuring free and open Indo Pacific area is very important. Both the leaders discussed how US and India can strengthen cooperation in this area.

PM Modi and Vice President Pence also discussed trade and energy related matters. India expressed its readiness to import more gas and oil from the US as a way of expanding trade.

Prime Minister Modi said the contribution of Indians in America should be considered while deciding the issue of H1B visa. Prime Minister Modi also appreciated that US president Donald Trump organised a meeting in the white house yesterday to celebrate festival of Deepawali.