Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that there is a great opportunity for US to make defence equipments in India and set up defence Industry as India can become a hub of export to the rest of the region. Mr Modi said this during a meeting with the US Vice President Mike Pence in Singapore on the sidelines of ASEAN summit today.
Briefing media, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhle said, Mr Pence acknowledged that India has made substantial progress economically and diplomatically in regional and international affairs. He also appreciated the strong leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
Mr Gokhale said both sides agreed that there has been substantial enhancement in defence related import of equipment from US. The foreign secretary said both leaders also discussed terrorism. He said referring to coming up anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks, Mr Pence appreciated the cooperation built between US and India on counter terrorism.
Prime Minister reminded that in one way or the other all the traces and the leads in global terror attacks ultimately lead to a single source and pointed out that people involved in Mumbai terror attacks and their involvement in recent election in Pakistan should be a matter of great concern not only for India and the US, but to the entire international community.
Mr Pence said he feels that India is a positive factor in regional and international relations. He said US looks forward to working with India on various issues both on the political side and economic side to ensure that they have fair rules based on international order.
Referring to his speech during Shangri la dialogue in June this year on Indo Pacific region, Prime Minister said his vision on the subject was gaining acceptability. He said they should utilise the East Asia Summit to further build upon that. Vice President Pence said India’s contribution in ensuring free and open Indo Pacific area is very important. Both the leaders discussed how US and India can strengthen cooperation in this area .
Mr Modi and Mr Pence also discussed trade and energy related matters. India expressed its readiness to import more gas and oil from the US as a way of expanding trade.
Prime Minister said the contribution of Indians in America should be considered while deciding the issue of H1B visa. Prime Minister appreciated that US president Donald Trump organised a meeting in the white house yesterday to celebrate festival of Deepawali.
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