'Trump, Modi two serious leaders focused on long-term goals': Marco Rubio on US-India ties

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday said Donald Trump and Narendra Modi are two serious leaders who focus on long-term goals, as he hailed the US-India ties, noting that it continues to strengthen steadily.

Rubio, who is on an India visit, made the remarks during the dedication ceremony of the US Embassy Support Annex Building in Delhi. Rubio underlined the importance of the personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump in shaping bilateral ties.

"It is a personal relationship which dates back to the first administration when the President had a chance to visit here, and it has carried over into the second administration.

"You can just



see the connection between them. The connection between leaders is incredibly important. These are two very serious leaders who are focused not just on the short term but on the long term," Rubio said.

His remarks came hours after a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi that lasted for more than an hour. During the talks, Rubio formally extended an invitation to PM Modi to visit the White House on behalf of President Donald Trump.

Following the meeting, PM Modi shared details of the interaction on social media, saying the discussions focused on regional and global peace and security, along with ways to strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.