Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a warm and productive meeting with His Excellency Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States of America, on 24 September 2021.
This was the first in-person meeting of the two Leaders after President
Biden assumed office in January 2021. The leaders took the opportunity to
review the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and
potential for strengthening bilateral cooperation further. Prime Minister
said that India and USA were entering a decade of transformation, based on
the pillars of tradition of democratic values, technology, trade, talent of
our people, trusteeship of nature, and above all, trust. The leaders
welcomed the forthcoming bilateral dialogues in various sectors, including
the annual 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue of Foreign and Defense Ministers, which
would identify priorities for future.
The two leaders discussed the COVID-19 situation and ongoing India-US
collaboration to contain the pandemic. In this context President Biden
appreciated India’s ongoing vaccination efforts, and our global outreach to
provide Covid assistance.
Recognising that there was immense scope for further enhancing bilateral
trade, both leaders agreed that the next Trade Policy Forum would be
convened later this year to identify measures which would boost commercial
linkages. Under the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030
Partnership, they agreed to accelerate clean energy development and
deployment of critical technologies. Acknowledging the large Indian
Diaspora in USA, Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of
people-to-people ties between the two nations and the mutual benefits of
facilitating mobility and expanding higher education linkages.
The Leaders exchanged views on regional developments in South Asia,
including the situation in Afghanistan, and reiterated their shared
commitment to work together to counter global terrorism; and condemned
cross-border terrorism. They called on the Taliban to adhere to their
commitments, respect the human rights of all Afghans, and allow unhindered
humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. Given their long-term commitment to
the Afghan people, both leaders agreed that India and USA would continue to
closely coordinate with each other and their partners towards an inclusive
and peaceful future for all Afghans.
The Leaders also exchanged views about the Indo-Pacific region, and
reaffirmed their shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific
region.
India and the USA also agreed to continue working together in international
organisations, given their convergence of strategic perspectives and shared
interests on global issues such as climate change and terrorism.
Prime Minister Modi invited President Biden and the First Lady Dr. Jill
Biden to visit India. The two leaders agreed to continue their high-level
dialogue, advance the robust bilateral ties and enrich their global
partnership.
