New Delhi:India has said that the Indo-US comprehensive strategic global partnership has been reinforced by the visit of US President Donald Trump. Briefing media in New Delhi this afternoon, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump were held in five major categories of security, defence, energy, technology and people to people contact. He said, there was a useful and comprehensive discussion on trade and both countries have decided to move towards a big deal in the sector. Mr Shringla said, there has been a noticeable decline in adverse trade balance from 30 billion dollars a few years ago to 25 billion dollars today. He added that the adverse trade balance is gradually eroding with greater amount of acquisitions that India is making from US.
The Foreign Secretary said, President Trump has assured highest consideration to India for procurement, technology, joint collaboration in defence sector. He said, India and US have decided to set up working group on narcotics and reinvigorate homeland security. Replying to media query, Mr Shringla said, Pakistan figured in the talks and concerns were put on the table on cross-border terrorism.
On a question on mention of Jammu and Kashmir during Indo-US talks, the Foreign Secretary said, discussion centred on positive developments in the two new Union Territories. He said, energy has emerged as one of most important areas of bilateral cooperation. He added that connectivity was discussed in global context, especially within Indo-Pacific region.
The Foreign Secretary also expressed hope that both countries will be able to conclude MoU on intellectual property rights soon.
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