WASHINGTON: Prime Minister’s meeting with President of the United States of America

WASHINGTON: 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.