PM speaks to Biden, says 'committed to rules-based international order'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took to Twitter to reveal that he has spoken to United States President Joe Biden. They discussed regional issues and expressed commitment toward "rule-based international order," the Indian leader said, adding that he also congratulated the 78-year-old. In the conversation, Biden and PM Modi agreed to "further co-operation against climate change." Here are more details.
Biden defeated incumbent Trump in November elections
Biden, a member of the Democratic Party, unseated Donald Trump in November. He took oath in January, along with Kamala Harris, the first woman to sit on the Vice-President's chair. Earlier, after the duo scripted history, PM Modi had joined the list of world leaders in congratulating them. He had also dubbed Harris's unprecedented win a matter of pride for the Indian-American community.
PM Modi is looking forward to consolidating strategic partnership
Not restricting their latest conversation to merely pleasantries, PM Modi and Biden discussed pertinent issues linked to the Indo-Pacific region and the world. "President @JoeBiden and I are committed to a rules-based international order. We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," PM Modi said in a tweet.
'We discussed regional issues and shared priorities'
White House said both leaders spoke about battle against COVID-19
About the phone call — the first between the two leaders after Biden's inauguration — the White House said the countries will work together closely to defeat the coronavirus pandemic. While the US is the worst-affected nation with 27,700,629 cases, India with 10,847,790 infections is the second worst-hit country. However, India's death toll at 155,195 is far less than the US's count of 476,405.
Climate change, world's economy, and global terrorism figured in discussion
PM Modi and Biden also agreed to renew the partnership on climate change, the White House readout revealed. To note, after assuming office, Biden has reinstated the US to the Paris Climate Accord, undoing a controversial move of his predecessor. The White House said they agreed to rebuild global economy in a manner that benefits both nations; they also spoke on global terrorism.
They agreed that democratic process must be followed in Myanmar
Further, the White House said Biden mentioned his desire to defend democratic institutions around the world and both agreed that the democratic process must be honored in Burma (Myanmar). To recall, the Southeast Asian nation slipped into chaos last week after the military orchestrated a coup against the elected government alleging fraud. The Army also detained renowned leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
PM Modi and Biden promised to stay in close touch
"The leaders agreed to stay in close touch on a range of global challenges and look forward to what the United States and India will achieve together for their people and for their nations," the White House statement concluded.
