India-US natural partners with similar values: Narendra Modi
Pointing out similar values and geopolitical interests, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India and the US are "natural partners" and asserted that coordination and cooperation between both countries were also increasing.
PM Modi's remarks came in a joint press conference with US Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the delegation-level talks. "India and America being the largest and oldest democracy, are natural partners. We have similar values, geopolitical interests, and our coordination and cooperation is also increasing. Strengthening the supply chain, new emerging technologies, and space are areas of special interest to you. For me, these areas are of priority. In these areas, our cooperation is important," he said.
"India and the US have very vibrant and strong people to people connections. More than 4 million people of Indian origin, the Indian community is a bridge between two countries, a bridge of two countries, and their contribution to economies and societies of both our countries are indeed praiseworthy," the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the first in-person Quad leaders meeting along with leaders of the US, Japan, and Australia in Washington on September 24. The summit will be hosted by US President Joe Biden.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said PM Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and their Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga would review the Quad Vaccine initiative as part of their ongoing efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The leaders will review progress made since their first Virtual Summit on March 12, 2021, and discuss regional issues of shared interest.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House on September 24 during his three-day visit to the United States.
PM Modi will review the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with President Biden and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. This will be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders after Biden took over as the US President on January 20.
Both leaders will discuss the current regional security situation following the recent developments in Afghanistan in the bilateral meeting.
(ANI)