Modi speaks to Trump; raises Imran Khan's provocative remarks against India
New Delhi, Aug 19: In the first highest-level interaction after India's announcement on Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump, and conveyed that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region was not conducive to peace.
Modi's comments on extreme rhetoric by some regional leaders was an obvious reference to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been making provocative comments against Modi government and Indian action in the last few days.
The 30-minute conversation between Modi and Trump covered bilateral and regional matters, and was marked by the "warmth and cordiality which characterises the relations between the two leaders", a Prime MInister's Office (PMO) release said.
"In the context of the regional situation, the prime minister stated that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region was not conducive to peace," it said.
The conversation between Modi and Trump took place two days after the US President asked Khan to resolve the Kashmir issue with India bilaterally during a telephonic conversation.
Continuing with his tirade against India over the Kashmir issue, Khan on Sunday had called the Indian government "fascist" and "supremacist", alleging that it poses a threat to Pakistan as well as to the minorities in India.
He also said the world must also seriously consider the safety and security of India's nuclear arsenal as it impacts not just the region but the world.
Earlier this month, India abrogated Article 370 in the Constitution to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcated it into two Union Territories, evoking strong reactions from Pakistan.
In his telephonic conversation, Modi also highlighted the importance of creating an environment free from terror and violence and eschewing cross-border terrorism without exception, the statement added.
The prime minister reiterated India's commitment to cooperate with anyone who followed this path, in fighting poverty, illiteracy and disease.
Noting that today marked the 100th year of the Independence of Afghanistan, Modi emphasised India's "longstanding and unwavering" commitment to work for "united, secure, democratic and truly independent Afghanistan".
During the conversation, Modi also referred to his meeting with Trump in Osaka on the margins of G-20 summit in June.
"Referring to their bilateral discussions in Osaka, the Prime Minister expressed the hope that the Commerce Minister of India and the US Trade Representative would meet at an early date to discuss bilateral trade prospects for mutual benefit," government said.
"The Prime Minister stated that he appreciated remaining in regular touch with President Trump," it added.
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Delhi's air quality 'very poor'
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi choked under a thick blanket of smog on Friday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 332, in the 'very poor' category.
The air quality was 'very poor' at 30 stations while it was 'severe' at one station, Jahangirpuri, which recorded an AQI of 405.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.
Delhi's air quality is likely to remain in 'very poor' till Saturday. The outlook for the subsequent six days also states that the air is likely to remain in the very poor band, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS).
The national capital's air quality settled at 8 degrees Celsius, 0.6 notches below normal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The relative humidity was recorded at 100 per cent.
According to the IMD, the maximum temperature during the day is expected to settle at 25 degrees Celsius.
