In a telephonic conversation with United States President Joe Biden on February 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s commitment to “rules-based international order”. This was the first conversation between the two heads of state since Biden assumed office on January 20. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi congratulated Biden and conveyed best wishes for his tenure. The Prime Minister told Biden that he looked forward to working closely with him to further elevate the India-US Strategic Partnership.
The two leaders discussed regional developments and the wider geopolitical context at length, the PMO said in a statement. “They noted that the India-US partnership is firmly anchored in a shared commitment to democratic values and common strategic interests,” the statement said.
PM Modi and Biden reiterated the importance of working with like-minded countries to ensure a “rules-based international order” and a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
The two world leaders affirmed the importance of addressing the challenge of global climate change.
PM Modi also welcomed Biden’s decision to re-commit to the Paris Agreement and highlighted the ambitious targets India has set for itself in the area of renewable energy. According to the PMO, the prime minister also welcomed Biden’s initiative of organizing the Climate Leaders Summit in April and looked forward to participating in the same.
In a Twitter post, PM Modi said that regional issues and shared concerns of Washington and New Delhi were discussed by him and Biden. “President Joe Biden 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 in a tweet