United Nations

US President Donald Trump “encouraged” Prime Minister Narendra Modi to improve relations with Pakistan and fulfil his promise to better the lives of the Kashmiri people, according to a readout issued by the White House on the bilateral meeting between the two leaders.

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump had met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session here — their fourth meeting since Modi came to power for a second term in May. Their 40-minute talks focused on bilateral trade and issues related to terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

President Trump noted the good progress on defence and security cooperation, the readout said. “Additionally, the President encouraged Prime Minister Modi to improve relations with Pakistan and fulfil his promise to better the lives of the Kashmiri people,” it said.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said the Prime Minister explained in detail to President Trump the challenges faced by India due to terrorism, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. He put forward India’s perspective on the issue of terrorism as President Trump vowed to protect innocent civilians from the threat of “radical Islamic terrorism” during the ‘Howdy, Modi’ event in Houston on Sunday.