But the PM's statement today suggested confidence that Trump, even if he favours a pullback on US security commitments, will back a leading role for India in the Asia Pacific instead. "The primary responsibility for peace, prosperity and security in the Indian Ocean rests with those who live in this region," Modi said. Modi defined India's maritime interests as "strategic and significant," and insisted that they were "not just limited to safe-guarding our mainland and islands." "We know that convergence, cooperation, and collective action will advance economic activity and peace in our maritime region." Over 70 percent of India's maritime trade passes through these waters.

Source: The Telegraph January 17, 2017 22:15 UTC