US would help India against any attack says Trump, as he praises PM Modi
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, June 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday raised with US President Donald Trump the issue of seafarers’ safety and called for provisions for their protection in Washington’s proposed peace deal with Iran, even as the two leaders vowed to take steps to repair bilateral ties that reeled under severe strain over the past year.
The meeting between the two leaders on the margins of the G7 summit in the French commune came amid increasing outrage in India over the killing of three Indian crew members of a merchant ship in American military strikes.
In his televised comments, Prime Minister Modi complimented Trump for his efforts towards ending the West Asia conflict and brought up the issue of the safety of lakhs of Indian seafarers operating in key maritime zones.
The prime minister hoped that the peace deal with Iran would have provisions for the security of the seafarers.
“Mr President, you and I agree that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy. India has consistently emphasised the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and we should work together on it,” he said.
The prime minister, then, underlined the importance of the safety of seafarers.
“Hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers are working across the global maritime trade routes and their safety is of utmost importance to us. You made tremendous efforts towards reaching this understanding (peace agreement with Iran). I am confident that the issue of safety of seafarers will receive the highest priority in the implementation of this agreement,” he said.
In his remarks, Trump described the meeting as “great” and heaped praise on Modi. The US president, without giving any timeline, said he will travel to India.
“People say he is such a nice man. I said he’s very very tough. He’s a tough negotiator, and he loves the Indian people, but he also loves the US,” Trump said.
The US president also described India as a major global player.
“I think India plays a big role in everything as long as he (PM Modi) is the leader. India is going to play a big role,” Trump said in response to a question on whether New Delhi has a role to play in West Asia.
“As long as I am at the White House, India has a friend in the US,” he said, answering a question on the strain in India-US ties.
To a question on the deaths of three Indian seafarers, Trump said he was aware of it.
“I heard about that (the deaths), it’s a rough profession, no question about it,” he said, adding, “We will work together.” Answering another question, Trump said the US will extend support to India if it faces any security challenges or face attack.
The US president also sounded optimistic when asked about the proposed trade deal between India and the US.
TRUMP ASSURES US HELP TO INDIA AGAINST ANY ATTACK
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States would help India if it came under attack, offering one of his strongest public statements on defence ties with New Delhi during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit.
Trump made the remarks when asked about the defence relationship between the United States and India following talks with PM Modi.
“I think it’s a great relationship,” Trump said.
“I can tell you this, without having a contract. We don’t have a contract. You have to write contracts. But if they were attacked, we would be there to help them.”
The comments came as Trump repeatedly praised PM Modi and highlighted the growing partnership between Washington and New Delhi.
Trump then personalised the remark while referring to the Indian Prime Minister.
“If anybody attacks that man, we’re going to be there,” he said.
“Now, if there’s a new leader, I’m not sure about it. If there’s a new leader, I don’t know about that. But if they’re attacked and he’s the leader, we’re going to be there to help.”
The remarks drew attention because the United States and India do not have a formal mutual defence treaty, although the two countries have steadily deepened military cooperation over the past two decades.Earlier, Trump described relations with India as exceptionally strong. (Agencies)
