MAGA, MIGA Unite for MEGA Partnership

Both leaders reaffirmed that the global scourge of terrorism must be fought

- NIKHIL VYAS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, meeting at the White House on Thursday night, took giant steps to deepen the ties between the two countries by pledging to work together in diverse areas, including defence, counter-terrorism, law enforcement, civil nuclear energy, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and trade.

The personal equation between the two leaders was very much in evidence as they discussed a range of bilateral issues as well as global developments. Indian officials said the "fruitful" meeting lasted nearly four hours, including talks between the two delegations.

This was the first meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump after the inauguration of the American leader for a second term. Mr Trump is now expected to visit India later this year for the Quad Summit which will also see the participation of the Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan.