By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON (AA) – Nearly a decade after being denied entry to the U.S., India’s recently elected premier, Narendra Modi, said Tuesday that the two countries are “natural global partners” after meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama.
“We already have the foundation of a strong partnership. We now have to revive the momentum and ensure that we get the best out of it for our people and for the world,” Modi said during a joint press conference with Obama at the White House.
Modi was denied a visa to the U.S. in 2005 after religious riots killed more than 1,000 Muslims in the western Indian state of Gujarat three years earlier, where Modi was the top official at the time.
He was elected prime minister following parliamentary elections held in May in which his Hindu national Bharatiya Janata Party claimed a landslide victory.
“I think that the entire world has watched the historic election and mandate that the people of India delivered in the recent election,” Obama said. “And I think everyone has been impressed with the energy and the determination with which the prime minister has looked to address not only India’s significant challenges, but more importantly India’s enormous opportunities for success in the 21st century.”
Thousands of Indian-Americans flocked to New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Sunday to see Modi.
Obama hosted Modi for a private dinner at the White House Monday, and met with him again Tuesday as the two leaders discussed a host of issues, including trade, the economy, security issues and climate trade issues during their talks.
Obama said that he is "impressed" with Modi's "interest in not only addressing the needs of the poorest of the poor in India and revitalizing the economy there, but also his determination to make sure that India is serving as a major power that can help bring about peace and security for the entire world."
Modi further stated that U.S. defense firms are "especially welcome" to help develop India's defense industry.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has increased fivefold since 2011 to nearly $100 billion, according to the White House.
Following his meeting with Obama, Modi was hosted for a luncheon by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry at the State Department.
"We admire your democracy and the message it sends to people around the world," Biden said during introductory remarks. "No nation has to choose between development and freedom. We can and must secure both."
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