On Thursday, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke over the phone and discussed the current political crisis in the Maldives. In their first call this year, the two heads promised to continue their work together and enhance security in the Indo Pacific region.
The Maldives President Abdulla Yameen declared a state of emergency after riots broke out in the country. The people were protesting the President for refusing to implement an order by the Supreme Court. The highest court order asked for the release of nine imprisoned opposition leaders.
PM Modi and President Trump expressed concern due to the ongoing political crisis in the Maldives. They also stressed the importance of respect for the rule of law and democracy.
The two leaders also discussed the current issue of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The economy in Bangladesh is declining as they struggle to support 680,00 Rohingya refugees. The Myanmar and Bangladesh governments have discussed the issue and planned a roadmap for the refugees to return to Myanmar. But the U.S., Government does not believe this is a good idea.
Modi and Trump also discussed the actions need to be taken to denuclearise North Korea. In June 2017, the 2+2 ministerial dialogue was announced after Modi visited The White House. The 2+2 dialogue will be with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman from India. Their American counterparts Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.
