Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the security situation in South and Central Asia during their phone conversation on Tuesday night and resolved that India and US will "stand shoulder to shoulder" to fight global terrorism, the White House said.

Had a warm conversation with President @realDonaldTrump late last evening.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2017

President @realDonaldTrump and I agreed to work closely in the coming days to further strengthen our bilateral ties.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2017

Have also invited President Trump to visit India.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2017

Strengthening defence partnership was among topics that came up during their talks about furthering cooperation between the two nations, according to the White House. "Trump emphasised that the United States considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world," the White House said.

This was reflected in the fact that conversation between the leaders of the world's two greatest democracies came before Trump had talked to leaders of important allies like Britain, Germany and Japan or major powers like China and Russia since formally taking office last Friday. During his campaign, Trump praised Modi as a "great leader" and sought a kinship of ideas with him as a "pro-growth leader" when he attended a rally organised by the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) in New Jersey in October.

He added that after his election India would have true friend in the White House. White House said that Trump invited Modi to visit him later this year. President Pranab Mukherjee invited Trump to visit India when he congratulated him on assuming the presidency.

Another topic Trump and Modi discussed was strengthening the partnership in the economy, but the statement did not give any details of what they might have discussed. Modi and Trump have parallel priorities of job creation, especially through manufacturing, and increasing investments which may appear headed for a collision.