Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met for the first time on Monday in Washington D.C., striking a common note on eliminating terrorism and aiming to develop a warm relationship, media reports said.

Trump highlighted that ties between Washington and New Delhi had “never been stronger” after holding his first talks with Modi, reported Hindustan Times.

“The relationship between India and the United States has never been stronger, never been better,” Trump was quoted as telling reporters in the White House Rose Garden, standing alongside Modi.

The leaders discussed in depth several regional issues, including Afghanistan during their meeting. Modi said the rising instability in Afghanistan due to terrorism is a cause of mutual concern for both India and the US, the report said.

Trump praised Modi as a “great prime minister” who had brought economic growth to India. Modi recalled Trump’s visits to India long before he was president and said he was looking forward to collaborating with him now that he is president.

“One of our common priorities will be the development of trade, commerce, and investment links.  And in this regard, in the technology, innovation, and knowledge-economy sectors, the expansion and deepening of cooperation is also among our priorities.  Towards this end, we shall take steps to further strengthen our successful digital partnership,” Modi said in a joint statement.