Outgoing US President Barack Obama telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi to thank him for his partnership that enhanced the relations between India and America. White House said, Mr Obama spoke on the phone with Mr Modi last night to thank him for his partnership and to review joint efforts of cooperation including defence, civil-nuclear energy, and enhanced people-to-people ties.
Recalling his visit as the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2015, President Obama wished Mr Modi warm congratulations ahead of India’s upcoming 68th Republic Day anniversary, the White House said.
Both leaders discussed the progress they have made on shared economic and security priorities, including recognition of India as a major defense partner of the United States and addressing the global challenge of climate change.
Mr Obama was one of the first leaders to congratulate Mr Modi after his electoral victory
in May 2014 and immediately invited him to visit the White House. The two leaders met at the White House in September 2014. Since then they have met each other for eight times. This is a record for leaders between India and America.
According to Assistant Secretary of State for South and central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal, the two leaders share a very warm relationship. She said that it is not a relationship that just came about that day when President called Prime Minister-elect Modi to congratulate him.