Modi greets Trump over phone

The ties between India and the US "have grown from strength to strength", Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said in a phone call with US President Donald Trump, according to a statement by Indian government.

PM Modi also gave New Year greetings to President Trump and his family, NDTV reports quoting the statement.

"The Prime Minister wished President Trump, his family and the people of the United States good health, prosperity and success in the New Year," said the statement. "The Prime Minister stated that India-US relations, which are built on trust, mutual respect and understanding, have grown from strength to strength."

"The Prime Minister highlighted the significant progress made in deepening the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the previous year and expressed his desire to continue to work with President Trump for enhancing cooperation in all areas of mutual interest," the statement also reads.

"President Trump wished the people of India prosperity and progress in the New Year. He expressed satisfaction at the achievements in the relationship in the last few years and reiterated his readiness for further deepening bilateral cooperation," it said.

India has in recent times acquired a number of military hardware - attack helicopters, patrol aircraft, transport planes and howitzers - from US defence manufacturers in several big-ticket deals.

On the trade front, India has already eased norms for foreign direct investment.

PM Modi last shared stage with President Trump in September 2019 at a 50,000-strong event in Texas called 'Howdy, Modi!', billed as the largest-ever turnout for a foreign elected leader on US soil.