US PRESIDENT Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed today that it was “time to set a new agenda.”

The leaders met at the White House and said that they explored ways to expand collaboration on trade, investment and technology that would “harmonise” with India’s ambitious development agenda while sustaining the United States as the “global engine of growth.”

“The true potential of our relationship has yet to be fully realised,” they gushed. 

“The advent of a new government in India is a natural opportunity to broaden and deepen our relationship. 

“With a reinvigorated level of ambition and greater confidence, we can go beyond modest and conventional goals. It is time to set a new agenda, one that realises concrete benefits for our citizens.”

President Obama hosted Mr Modi for a private dinner on Monday despite the fact that the Indian leader, who leads the Hindu nationalist BJP, was fasting.

His warm welcome contrasted with his previous bar on entry to the US because of the 2002 mass slaughter of Muslims in Gujarat when he was chief minister.

Mr Modi denied involvement in the violence, but the role of his followers and of his party is well-documented.

The two men agreed to share intelligence on terrorism and regional concerns, including Afghanistan. 

They discussed clean energy, climate change, medical collaboration to fight diseases and scientific efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene throughout India.

But Washington’s main priority is to prise open India’s economy for penetration by US transnational companies.