WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump telephoned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to congratulate him on his party’s recent election victory in Uttar Pradesh, the White House said. This was Mr Trump’s second call to Mr Modi since coming to power on Jan 20.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the leaders also discussed bilateral relations.

Mr Trump made his first call to Mr Modi on Jan. 24, which was also his second working day as president.

The first call focused on India-US ties and on the security situation in South Asia.

The two leaders first spoke in November just days after Mr Trump’s election win. In the first call, President Trump emphasised that the United States considered India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world, the White House said.

President Trump and Prime Minister Modi resolved that the United States and India would stand shoulder to shoulder in the global fight against terrorism, the White House added.

The US president invited the Indian prime minister to visit the United States later this year.

Since being sworn in, Mr Trump has telephoned a number of world leaders, but he has not yet called Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, although he did speak with him after the election victory. Mr Trump often emphasises his special relationship with India and the Indian American community. And at the suggestion of Republican Hindu Coalition founder Shalli Kumar, he recorded a campaign call modelled on Mr Modi’s own election slogan, “Ab ki baar Modi sarkar”. The Trump slogan was: “Ab ki baar Trump sarkar”.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2017