Modi, Trump to discuss security cooperation

President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their first meeting would set forth a vision to expand the US-India ties in an ambitious manner and discuss ways to advance common goals like fighting terrorism and expanding security cooperation in the Indo- Pacific region.

The leaders of the world's two largest democracies with a combined population of 1.6 billion will meet on June 26 at the White House to discuss a gamut of bilateral issues, including India's concerns over possible changes in H1B visa rules.

"I think you can expect the two of them to set forth a vision that will expand the US-India partnership in an ambitious and worthy way of both countries' people," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters at his daily news conference on Monday.

He cited "fighting terrorism, promoting economic growth and reforms and expanding security cooperation in the Indo- Pacific region" as shared priorities.

The Indo-Pacific region includes the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbours in multiple disputes over islands.

"President Trump and Prime Minister Modi will look to outline a common vision for the United States-India partnership that is worthy of their 1.6 billion citizens," Spicer said.

Trump invited Modi to Washington after the latter rang him in January to congratulate the new president on his inauguration.

"The president and the prime minister have had a number of positive phone conversations, and expect to further that discussion ... whether it's economic growth and reforms, fighting terrorism, expanding our cooperation as major defence partners," Spicer said in response to a question.

In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday that the Modi-Trump discussions will provide a new direction for a deeper bilateral engagement.

"Prime Minister will hold official talks with President Trump on June 26. Their discussions will provide a new direction for deeper bilateral engagement on issues of mutual interest and consolidation of the multi-dimensional strategic partnership between India and the US," the ministry said.