Biden and Modi discuss Indo-Pacific, climate change and Covid

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called his first bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden “exceptional”, who said Indo-American relations were destined to be “stronger, closer and closer”.

The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including the fight against Covid-19, climate change, trade and the Indo-Pacific. Biden, who greeted Modi in the White House Oval Office, said today they are starting a new chapter in US-Indian relations.

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Observing that he had long believed that the relationship between the United States and India could help them solve global challenges, Biden in his opening remarks to a battery of Indian and American media said they were now “launching a new chapter in the history of Indo-American relations, taking on some of the most difficult challenges we face together.

And it starts with a shared commitment to end Covid-19, he said.

Modi, who is visiting the United States for the 7th time after taking office in 2014, described Friday’s bilateral meeting with Biden which lasted over 60 minutes as “important” as they meet at the start of the third decade. of this century.

“Your leadership will certainly play an important role in how this decade is shaped. The seeds have been sown for an even stronger friendship between India and the United States, ”he told Biden.

“I had an exceptional meeting with @POTUS @JoeBiden. His leadership on critical global issues is commendable. We discussed how India and the United States will step up cooperation in different spheres and work together to overcome key challenges such as Covid-19 and climate change, ”Modi tweeted after the meeting.

Biden said relations between India and the United States, the world’s largest democracies, are “destined to be stronger, closer and closer.”

“I have long believed that the US-India relationship can help us solve many global challenges. In fact, in 2006 I said that by 2020 India and the United States would be among the closest nations to the world, ”Biden told Modi.

“Today, we are launching a new chapter in the history of US-Indian relations, addressing some of the most difficult challenges we face together, starting with a common commitment,” he said.

Biden said he and Modi would talk about what more they can do to fight Covid-19, address the climate challenge facing the world and ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific, including with their silent partners .

India, the United States and several other world powers have spoken of the need to ensure a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific amid growing China’s military maneuvers in the region.

“Of course, our partnership is more than what we do. It’s about who we are in our shared responsibility to uphold democratic values, our shared commitment to diversity, and it’s about family ties, which four million Indian-Americans strengthen the United States each and every. day, ”he said.

Noting that the world would be celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday next week, Biden said, “We are all reminded that his message of non-violence, respect, tolerance matters today perhaps more than ever.”

Regarding this, Modi said, “Gandhi Ji spoke about guardianship, a concept which is very important for our planet in times to come.”

Noting that trade will be an important factor in Indo-American relations over the next decade, the prime minister said there was a lot to do in the region.

Modi said this decade will be shaped by talent and people-to-people skills. “I am happy that the Indian diaspora is actively contributing to the progress of the United States. “

He said technology is becoming a driving force. “We must use our talents to harness technology for a greater global good.”

Modi recalled his interactions with Biden in 2014 and 2016, saying that “this time you shared your vision of India-US ties. I am happy to see that you are working to realize this vision ”.

He said each of the topics raised by the president is crucial for Indo-American friendship. “His efforts on Covid-19, climate change mitigation and the Quad are remarkable,” Modi added.

“This morning, I welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House for a bilateral meeting. I look forward to strengthening the deep ties between our two nations, working to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, and tackling everything from Covid-19 to climate change, ”President Biden tweeted for a few minutes before the meeting.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said the India-US relationship is a partnership of trust. “Globally, we will make a difference! he tweeted.

Modi also signed the guest book in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. “Save the spirit of friendship between India and the United States in ink,” the spokesperson tweeted.