PM Narendra Modi to visit United States later this year: White House

US President Donald Trump spoke by phone to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

File photo

Washington: A day after Donald Trump called PM Narendra Modi, the White House said on Tuesday the US President was looking forward to hosting the Indian Prime Minister later this year.

Trump had spoken to PM Modi yesterday and congratulated him on the outcome of recent state Assembly elections and had also expressed his support to the "Indian leader's economic reform agenda".

"President Donald J Trump spoke with PM Modi of India to congratulate him on the outcome of India's recent state-level elections," the White House said in a readout of the call.

"President Trump expressed support for the Prime Minister's economic reform agenda and emphasised his great respect for the people of India," it said.

"President Trump also said he looks forward to hosting PM Modi in Washington later this year," said the statement issued by the White House today, as per PTI.

No date for the visit was mentioned.

Previously, PM Modi and Trump had talked by phone on January 24, when they had resolved to stand "shoulder-to-shoulder" in the global fight against terrorism and for defence and security.

According to a White House statement then, Trump had "emphasised that the US considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world."

PM Modi was the fifth foreign leader Trump had spoken to on phone after he was sworn-in as the US President on January 20.

After Trump's victory in the November 8 elections, PM Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate him. 

(With PTI inputs)