Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday met US President Barack Obama here and discussed the immediate priorities in the strategic bilateral partnership, including strengthening the civil nuclear cooperation and combating climate change.

" Had a great discussion with President of the US (POTUS) on India-USA relations," Modi tweeted after his meeting with Obama on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit here, their eighth in thelasttwo years.

" President Obama praised Prime Minister Modi's initiatives to reform the Indian economy. In particular, the US president expressed confidence that the passage of GST will unleash significant economic activity," sources said.

During the meeting, Obama also praised Modi's vision of entrepreneurship and innovation, which he said would be "very important for a country like India".

Obama said that he had

always been a friend of India and would continue to be a "strong partner of India and help in any way I can," according to sources.

Both leaders reviewed the immediate priorities in the strategic partnership. They discussed climate change issues and energy cooperation. The two leaders also reviewed progress on Indo-US collaboration in nuclear energy, solar energy and innovation, the sources said.

The meeting was "very warm and friendly", they said.

Modi praised President Obama for his contribution to the relationship and the growing trust between the two countries.

He also invited the US President to visit India after demitting office to which Obama said he would welcome any opportunity to visit India.