PM Modi to hold first in-person bilateral talks with President Biden

Washington - Both leaders will review 'robust and multifaceted' India-US bilateral ties and will hold a discussion to bolster bilateral trade and investment ties

In one of the highly-anticipated engagements of his three-day US visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday.

This will be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders after Biden took over as the US President on January 20.

In a departure statement ahead of his US visit, Modi had said that he will review the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with Biden and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla had earlier informed that Modi and Biden will review “robust and multifaceted” India-US bilateral ties and will hold a discussion to bolster bilateral trade and investment ties.

Both leaders will discuss the current regional security situation following the recent developments in Afghanistan in a bilateral meeting on September 24, he had said.

Biden will also host the first-ever in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit on September 24, which will be joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

The leaders will review progress made since their first virtual Summit on March 12 and discuss regional issues of shared interest, the Ministry of External Affairs informed in a statement on September 14.

“As a part of their ongoing efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, they will review the Quad Vaccine initiative which was announced in March this year. They will also exchange views on contemporary global issues such as critical and emerging technologies, connectivity and infrastructure, cyber security, maritime security, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, climate change and education," the statement said.

"The Summit would provide a valuable opportunity for dialogue and interactions among the Leaders, anchored in their shared vision of ensuring a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region."

His US visit will conclude on September 25 with an address at the United Nations General Assembly focusing on the pressing global challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, the need to combat terrorism, climate change and other important issues.