Trump hosts Indian Prime Minister Modi for White House talks

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Donald Trump hosted Indian Premier Narendra Modi for the first round of in-person talks since he returned to the White House last month.

Addressing reporters ahead of their meeting, Trump said he would be discussing a range of issues, including US exports of oil and gas to India, and adding that Modi is "doing a great job in India."

"We've done a fantastic job for the American people. We had a great four years that were interrupted by a terrible administration, absolutely terrible," said Trump. "They didn't know what they were doing. And now we're putting it back together, and I think it's going to end up being much stronger than it was before, even much stronger than it was before."

The Oval Office meeting with Modi marks the fourth by a foreign leader since Trump assumed office Jan. 20 following the visits of the leaders of Israel, Japan and Jordan.

India is a central figure in Washington's efforts to combat China's rising influence in the Indo-Pacific region, and Modi said he and Trump "will continue to advance the India US strategic partnership with the same bond, with the same trust and with the same excitement."

"Excellency, you've made immense personal contribution towards strengthening of our relations, towards making them more comprehensive, and in attaining unprecedented heights in our relationship, and I firmly believe that in your second term, we will work with even more speed," Modi said, referring to Trump in remarks translated from Hindi.