United States President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Modi, as responsible stewards in the Indo-Pacific region, agreed that a close partnership between the United States and India is central to peace and stability in the region, a joint statement issued by the two leaders, following delegation-level talks, said.

Recognising the significant progress achieved in these endeavours, the leaders agreed to take further measures to strengthen their partnership.

In accordance with the tenets outlined in the UN Charter, they committed to a set of common principles for the region, according to which sovereignty and international law are respected and every country can prosper, the statement added.

To this end, the leaders:

-reiterate the importance of respecting freedom of navigation, overflight, and commerce throughout the region;

-call upon all nations to resolve territorial and maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law;

-support bolstering regional economic connectivity through the transparent development of infrastructure and the use of responsible debt financing practices, while ensuring respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the rule of law, and the environment; and call on other nations in the region to adhere to these principles.