President Barack Obama’s reign has come to an end. This outgoing US President is now thanking all his dearly supporters on his last day as the president of United States of America. Obama telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and had a discussion on the lateral defence deals the country have in between.
A statement from the Indian foreign ministry said the telephone call was made late Wednesday night, Obama further thanked Modi for his continuous support and contribution to strengthening Indo-US ties. During the phone call yesterday evening, both leaders reviewed with satisfaction the significant all round progress and cooperation in ties between India and the US in the past few years.
Meanwhile, the sources from the White House said:
“Recalling his visit as the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2015, President Barack Obama wished the Prime Minister warm congratulations ahead of India’s upcoming 68th Republic Day anniversary. Both leaders discussed the progress they have made on shared economic and security priorities, including recognition of India as a major defence partner of the United States and addressing the global challenge of climate change.”
Earlier, Barack Obama was one of the first leaders to congratulate Modi on his electoral victory in May 2014 elections in India and immediately invited him to visit the White House. The two leaders met at the White House in September 2014. Since then they have met each other eight times. This is a record for leaders between India and America.
The statement from the Foreign Ministry also added that Modi also thanked President Obama for
“his strong support and contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the US.”
Obama will step down as the 44th President of the US on Friday. Donald Trump will be sworn-in following his departure. Modi conveyed his best wishes to President Obama in his future endeavors.
India’s collaboration with the United States widely developed after Obama became the President of the US in 2008. And Obama is the first US president to have visited India twice during his presidency—first in November 2010 and then in January 2015. The second time, Modi invited Obama to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations as its chief guest—the first time ever a US president was invited to do so.