Trump, Modi are focused on strengthening shared interests of India and US: Tulsi Gabbard

Gabbard, who arrived in India on March 16, called US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "very good friends".

"The ties between the US and India go very far back and (in Trump's second term) we are continuing to see the strengthening of that partnership and recognising the mutual interest of both countries - centred around peace, prosperity, freedom, and security," she told NDTV.

"... with President Trump's leadership in the US and of course, Prime Minister Modi's longstanding leadership in India - we have two leaders of two great countries who are very good friends and very focused on how we can strengthen the shared objectives and interests," Gabbard, who met India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Monday, added.

The shared objectives also include a firm commitment to Islamic terrorism, said Gabbard.

Gabbard's visit to India takes place amid the bilateral tension between the two nations over tariffs and trade.

Trump even during Prime Minister Modi's US visit earlier this year complained about steep tariffs on US goods exported to India.

Her visit follows Modi’s trip to the United States in February, where he met Gabbard and described her as a staunch supporter of India-US relations.

Expressing her gratitude, Gabbard welcomed Modi and reiterated her dedication to deepening ties between the two nations.

This trip marked Modi’s first visit to the US since Donald Trump assumed office for a second term.

During the visit, Modi and Trump met at the White House, exchanging a warm embrace in their first official meeting since Trump was sworn in as the 47th President on January 20.

Modi was one of the first world leaders to visit the US under Trump’s new administration, having received an invitation within just three weeks of the new government taking charge.