'Friend Murli Would Have Been Glad': Modi Seconds Milind Deora on Indo-US Ties, Kiren Rijiju Lauds Him

New Delhi: Calling former Union Minister and Congress leader Murli Deora his "friend", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday seconded the leader's son over his tweet that Deora was "one of the early architects of deeper Indo-US ties".

"You are absolutely correct when you highlight my friend, late Murli Deora Ji’s commitment to strong ties with USA. He would have been really glad to see the strengthening of ties between our nations," the prime minister said in a reply to former Congress Maharashtra chief Milind Deora.

Deora had praised PM Modi for his address in Houston and recalled the contribution of his father Murlibhai in Indo-US ties.

"PM Modi's Houston address was a momentous first for India’s soft power diplomacy. My father Murlibhai was one of the early architects of deeper Indo-US ties. Donald Trump’s hospitality and recognition of Indian Americans’ contributions makes us proud," Deora had tweeted.

The Congress leader was later lauded by Union minister Kiren Rijiju, who praised Deora for his "matured and honest political comment".

Receiving thumbs-up from two BJP leaders, Deora was quick to reply.

Deora, who was the Maharashtra chief of Congress resigned from the post, after the party's debacle in Lok Sabha elections this year.