Modi meets Biden; discusses Indo-Pacific, climate and Covid

PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi on Friday (24) described as "outstanding" his first bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden who said the Indo-US relationship is destined to be "stronger, closer and tighter" as the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including combating Covid-19, climate change, trade and the Indo-Pacific.

President Biden, who welcomed Modi in the Oval Office of the White House said that today they are starting a new chapter in US-India relationship.

Observing that he has long believed that the US, India relationship can help them solve global challenges, Biden in his opening remarks before a battery of India and American media said they are now "launching a new chapter in history of India US ties, taking on some of the toughest challenges we face together."

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

Prime minister Modi, who is visiting the US for the 7th time after assuming office in 2014, described Friday's bilateral meeting with Biden that lasted more than 60 minutes as "important" as they're meeting 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 US," prime minister Modi told Biden.

"Had an outstanding meeting with @POTUS @JoeBiden. His leadership on critical global issues is commendable. We discussed how India and USA will further scale-up cooperation in different spheres and work together to overcome key challenges like Covid-19 and climate change," Modi tweeted after the meeting.

Biden said the relationship between India and the US, the largest democracies in the world, is "destined to be stronger, closer and tighter."

"I've long believed that the US-India relationship can help us solve a lot of global challenges. In fact, back in 2006, I had said that by 2020 India and the US will be among the closest nations in the world," Biden told Modi

"Today, we're launching a new chapter in the history of US-India ties, taking on some of the toughest challenges we face together, starting with a shared commitment," he said.

Biden said he and prime minister Modi would talk about what more they can do to fight Covid-19, take on the climate challenge that the world face, and ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific, including with their quiet partners.

India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvring in the region.

"Of course our partnership is more than just what we do. It's about who we are in our shared responsibility to uphold democratic values, our joint commitment to diversity, and it's about family ties, including four million Indian-Americans make the United States, stronger every single day," he said

Noting that the world would celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's birthday next week, Biden said, "We're all reminded that his message of non-violence, respect, tolerance, matters today maybe more than ever had."

On this, Modi said, "Gandhi Ji spoke about trusteeship, a concept which is very important for our planet in the times to come."

Noting that trade will be an important factor in the Indo-US ties in the coming decade, the prime minister said that there is much to be done in the area.

Modi said this decade will be shaped by talent and people-to-people linkages. "I am glad the Indian diaspora is making an active contribution towards the US' progress."

He said that technology is becoming a driving force. "We have to utilise our talents to leverage technology for greater global good."

Modi recalled his interactions with Biden in 2014 and 2016, saying "that time you had shared your vision for ties between India and US. I am glad to see you are working to realise this vision."

He said that each of the subjects mentioned by the president are crucial for the India-US friendship. "His efforts on Covid-19, mitigating climate change and the Quad are noteworthy," Modi added.

"This morning I'm hosting Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at the White House for a bilateral meeting. I look forward to strengthening the deep ties between our two nations, working to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific, and tackling everything from Covid-19 to climate change," president Biden had tweeted minutes before the meeting.

While the two leaders have met earlier when Biden was the vice-president of the country, this is for the first time that Biden is meeting Modi after he became the 46th president of the US in January

Both Biden and Modi have spoken over the phone multiple times and have attended a few virtual summits, including that of the Quad in March hosted by the US president. The last telephone conversation between them took place on April 26.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi said that India US relationship is a partnership of trust. "Globally we will make a difference!" he tweeted

The prime minister also signed the visitor book in the Roosevelt Room of the White House.

The Indian delegation included S Jaishankar, minister of External Affairs; Ajit Doval, national security advisor; Harsh Vardhan Shringla, foreign secretary and Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India's Ambassador to the United States.

Modi reaches New York

Modi on Saturday (25) arrived in New York where he is scheduled to address the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which was held virtually last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic

Modi flew to New York from Washington after holding his first bilateral meeting with Biden in the Oval Office of the White House and attended his first in-person Quad summit on Friday (24).

"Landed in New York City. Will be addressing the UNGA at 6:30 PM (IST) on the 25th," the prime minister said in a tweet.

"Voicing the sentiments of the 1.3 billion people of India! PM @narendramodi arrives in New York to address the 76th UNGA tomorrow. India's current membership of the @UN Security Council lends even greater significance!," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a tweet.

Modi will address the world leaders at the UN General Debate on Saturday (25) morning. He is the first world leader scheduled to address the world organisation.

Modi will address the General Debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The theme for this year's General Debate is 'Building resilience through hope to recover from Covid-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations.'

(PTI)