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Obama hosts India's PM Narendra Modi for bilateral talks at White House

U.S. President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday to discuss a range of issues.

By JC Finley
U.S. President Barack Obama (R) meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) in the Oval Office of the White House September 30, 2014 in Washington, DC. The two leaders met to discuss the U.S.-India strategic partnership and mutual interest issues. UPI/Alex Wong/POOL
1 of 5 | U.S. President Barack Obama (R) meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) in the Oval Office of the White House September 30, 2014 in Washington, DC. The two leaders met to discuss the U.S.-India strategic partnership and mutual interest issues. UPI/Alex Wong/POOL | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama met Tuesday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House.

The two leaders outlined their agenda in an op-ed published by the Washington Post in advance of their meeting.

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Both leaders acknowledged in their joint statement "the true potential of our relationship has yet to be fully realized," pointing to opportunities for strengthening ties in the fields of trade, investment and technology.

Following their sit-down on Tuesday, Obama remarked, "We have had outstanding discussions around a range of issues." Noting that the focus of Monday night's preceding dinner was on the economy, Tuesday's meeting also included discussion about the international situation and security issues.

"We addressed challenges in the Middle East and violent extremism and the fight against ISIL. We discussed what has now been a successful peaceful transition of power in Afghanistan and the need for all of us to work together to ensure that there is stability there."

Modi told reporters afterward that "This visit, especially my conversation with President Obama, has reinforced my conviction that India and the United States are natural global partners based on our shared values, interests and strengths in the digital age."

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The two leaders were in agreement on a host of issues, Modi noted, including growing the U.S.-India economic partnership, continued consultation and cooperation on climate change issues, intensifying counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation, strengthening security dialogue and defense relations, and combating the Ebola outbreak in Africa.

Obama wished Modi well in his new position as prime minister, and added that "I'm looking forward to building on this meeting so we can continue to promote progress in both countries and around the world."

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