Ashish Kedia
Much anticipated meeting between two world leaders, well known for their large countries and big ego’s met today. Both leaders looked to build a rapport and as per the brief the talks only focused on the positive aspects.
Paris Climate Act, on which President Trump has issued a controversial statement targeting India and China, found no mention in talks between the two leaders.
Focus on transparency but no questions allowed in press brief:
In a deviation from past media briefings in which the press from both the countries are allowed two questions, didn’t happened this time. Even before the joint statement of President Trump and Prime Minister Modi the media was informed that no questions will be taken by the two leaders.
Good Gestures and Fine Words :
Hours before the meet, the US also declared Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Syed Salahuddin as a US-designated Global Terrorist. President Trump also highlighted the fact that both he and Prime Minister Modi are “World Leaders on Social Media”. This was presented as a boost to public outreach and transparency in administration.
Both countries focused on expanding cooperation between their two countries on combating terrorism, stabilising Afghanistan and overcoming differences on trade.
Modi and Trump sealed the meeting with a “bear hug”, that has kind of became the signature greeting of Prime Minister Modi reserved for World leaders.
