PM Modi, US President discuss emerging realities of post COVID world

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with United States President Donald Trump. They discussed US Presidency of G-7, the COVID-19 pandemic, and many other issues.

During a telephone conversation yesterday, President Trump expressed his desire to include India in the ambit of Group of Seven and invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the next G-7 Summit to be held in USA.

According to an official statement, President Trump spoke about the US Presidency of the G-7, and conveyed his desire to expand the ambit of the grouping beyond the existing membership, to include other important countries including India.

Prime Minister Modi commended President Trump for his creative and far-sighted approach, acknowledging the fact that such an expanded forum would be in keeping with the emerging realities of the post-COVID world. The Prime Minister has said that India would be happy to work with the US and other countries to ensure the success of the proposed Summit.

During the phone call, Prime Minister Modi expressed concern regarding the ongoing civil disturbances in the US, and conveyed his best wishes for an early resolution of the situation.

The two leaders also exchanged views on other topical issues, such as the COVID-19 situation in the two countries, the situation on the India-China border, and the need for reforms in the World Health Organisation. Later in a tweet, Mr. Modi said, he richness and depth of India-US consultations will remain an important pillar of the post-COVID global architecture.

President Trump warmly recalled his visit to India in February this year. Prime Minister Modi said that the visit had been memorable and historic on many accounts, and had also added new dynamism to the bilateral relationship.

AIR Correspondent reports the exceptional warmth and candour of the conversation reflected the special nature of the Indo-US ties, as well as the friendship and mutual esteem between both leaders.