US, India "determined" to destroy terrorists, Trump tells Modi

WASHINGTON, June 27 (KUNA) -- The US and India have been struck by terrorism, and "are both determined to destroy terrorist organizations and the radical ideology that drives them," President Donald Trump said on Monday in a joint White House appearance with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"We will destroy radical Islamic terrorism," Trump said. "Our militaries are working every day to enhance cooperation between our military forces. And next month, they will join together with the Japanese navy to take part in the largest maritime exercise ever conducted in the vast Indian Ocean." Trump thanked "the Indian people for their contributions to the effort in Afghanistan, and for joining us in applying new sanctions against the North Korean regime. The North Korean regime is causing tremendous problems and is something that has to be dealt with, and probably dealt with rapidly." It is important that barriers be removed to the export of US goods into Indian markets, "and that we reduce our trade deficit with your country," Trump told Modi.
Trump said he "was pleased to learn about an Indian Airlines recent order of 100 new American planes, one of the largest orders of its kind, which will support thousands and thousands of American jobs." "We're also looking forward to exporting more American energy to India as your economy grows, including major long-term contracts to purchase American natural gas, which are right now being negotiated, and we will sign them," Trump said.
On his part, Modi said that fighting terrorism and doing away with sanctuaries and safe havens "will be an important part of our cooperation.
"We will also enhance our sharing of intelligence, and exchange information to deepen and expand our policy coordination as far as possible," he said.
"The increasing instability, due to terrorism, in Afghanistan is one of our common concerns," he added.
Earlier in the day, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis met with Modi and discussed "the role of both nations in cooperating to foster democratic laws and principles," the Pentagon announced.
Mattis "applauded India's long-term efforts to promote stability in the Indian Ocean region," the announcement said.
The two pledged "to continue the strong defense partnership between both nations and broaden military-to-military engagements". (end) rm.hb