Trump calls Modi again, congratulates on BJP's big win in Uttar Pradesh

Los Angeles : US President Donald Trump on Monday evening called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi and congratulated him on Bhartiya Janata Party's huge success in the recent Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Earlier this month, BJP rode to power in Uttar Pradesh after a massive win of 312 seats of the state's 403 seats. The party also swept neighbouring Uttarakhand and formed governments in Goa and Manipur, with no party getting a majority in any of the three states. It was only in Punjab that BJP saw a setback as Congress snatched away the elections from Modi's party in that region.

It was noted by experts that the elections in the five states turned into a virtual referendum on PM Modi's popularity following his decision to demonetise Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 currency notes.

This was Trump's second call to Modi ever since his inauguration as President of the United States. They last spoke in January when President Trump called up PM Modi to discuss the concerning security situation in South and Central Asia. 

Later, the White House responded that India and the United States will "stand shoulder to shoulder" to fight global terrorism.

The call was significant as Trump called Modi even before making calls to important allies like Britain, Germany and Japan or major powers like China and Russia since formally taking office.

During that call, President Trump had emphasised that the United States "considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world," according to a White House readout of the call.

Both the leaders invited each other to their respective capitals and indicated that they had a warm exchange which included a commitment to "standing shoulder to shoulder" against terrorism and improving economic cooperation.