Modi holds discussions with world leaders at G20 Osaka Summit 2019
Meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing G20 Summit at Osaka in Japan, the Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi and the President of United States (U.S.) – Donald Trump have directed their respective officials to end the tariff issues that are impacting trade ties between India and U.S.
The two leaders also discussed topics covering U.S. – China trade war and the rising tensions with Iran. They also spoke on strengthening defence ties and introduction of 5th generation or 5G technology for wireless communications. This was Modi’s first meeting with Trump after getting re-elected as the Prime Minister of India for the second term.
Speaking on the occasion, Donald Trump said, “We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer. I can say that with surety. We will work together in many ways including military; we’ll be discussing trade today.”
Talking about crude oil, Modi discussed India’s concerns with respect to importing crude oil from Iran. For the records, India imported 11% of its crude oil from Iran. Modi also told Trump that he is concerned about the Indians who live in Iran. Trump was also apprised that India had despatched two naval ships to the region for protection of Indian flagged vessels that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Modi and Trump have agreed to remain in touch to ensure there is peace and stability in the region, especially in the wake of rising tensions with Iran. Trump has also assured Modi that he will try his best to ensure that oil prices remain stable in the region.
The Foreign Secretary of India – Vijay Gokhale has said that Modi and Trump have agreed to collaborate for developing 5G technology. Speaking on the future alliance, he said, “The prime minister outlined that we are going to be a billion users of this technology and in that sense India is the second largest market in the world. The way India moves, whatever choices India makes essentially determine the way the global trend will go.”
Besides, Modi also stressed on the withdrawal of Special Export Privileges by the U.S. which impacted the Indian traders. The discussion on defence ties was cut short due to other engagements of Modi and Trump.
Separately, trilateral talks were also held between Modi, Trump and the Prime Minister of Japan – Shinzo Abe for jointly working in areas like technology.
Post this, Narendra Modi held a meeting with Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa and talked about strengthening World Trade Organisation (WTO), fighting protectionism, crude oil and fighting terrorism.
Meeting with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
The India Prime Minister also met the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia – Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud where they focused on ways to further deepen cooperation in trade, energy, trade and jointly fighting terrorism. Modi urged the Crown Prince to ensure stability in the oil prices in the region.
The Crown Prince also invited Modi a special guest for an upcoming international summit. Saudi Arabia will soon share the details of the summit.
Promoting ties with South Korea
Holding talks with the President of South Korea – Moon Jae-In, Modi exchanged views on promoting cultural ties and tourism between the 2 nations. The 2 leaders discussed making the visa procedure easier.
