Relevance – The recent visit of Indian Prime Minister to USA and his meeting with the President of USA.

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.

The two leaders agreed to continue their high-level dialogue, advance the robust bilateral ties and enrich their global partnership.

Source: PIB