'Each time we sit down...': Biden says he was 'struck' by PM Modi's 'ability' after bilateral talks

After PM Modi arrived at Biden's home in Delaware, he was warmly greeted with a hug by the US President ahead of the bilateral talks. Biden and Modi will also participate in the Quad Leaders' Summit, alongside Japanese leader Fumio Kishida and Australian PM Anthony Albanese later today.

Delaware: The bilateral talks between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Greenville, Delaware, concluded on Saturday. Biden, 81, said the relations between India and the US were stronger, closer and more dynamic than at any time in history, as the Indian PM began his three-day visit to America.

After PM Modi arrived at Biden's home, he was warmly greeted with a hug by the US President. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions between the two focused on ways to further deepen the India-United States bilateral partnership in areas of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on global and regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The two leaders were expected to discuss a range of issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and China.

"The United States' partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history. Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different," Biden said on X after the meeting.

PM Modi also thanked Biden for hosting him in Delaware. "Our talks were extremely fruitful. We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting," he said.

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What did Modi and Biden discuss?

The Indian PM conveyed his appreciation for the unparalleled contributions made by President Biden in giving impetus to the India-US partnership, according to an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs. He warmly recalled his historic state visit to the US in June 2023 and President Biden’s visit to India in September 2023 for the G20 Leaders’ Summit

He also emphasised that India and the US today enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership that covers all areas of human endeavour, driven by shared democratic values, the convergence of interests and vibrant people-to-people ties. The two leaders discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and exchanged views on global and regional issues including the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. They expressed confidence in the strength and continuing resilience of the relationship and their belief in its significance for all areas of human endeavour between the two countries, the MEA said.

The US side includes Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. Earlier, Sullivan indicated that the focus areas between the two leaders would be the ongoing Ukraine conflict and India's stance on Russia and China. He stressed that countries like India should support sovereignty and territorial integrity, and refrain from supplying inputs to Russia's war efforts.

PM Modi's welcome in US

The Indian leader received an enthusiastic welcome from a large group of Indian diaspora at the Philadelphia International Airport. Modi greeted the group of people dressed in their traditional wear with many of them holding the Indian tri-colour. He walked along the fenced area, signed autographs for some of them and shook hands with some others. He also witnessed a garba performance by enthusiastic Indians at the Hotel du Pont in Delaware.

On September 22, PM Modi will address a community event of the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale. About 4.4 million Indian Americans/Indian-origin people reside in the US. Persons of Indian origin (3.18 million) constitute the third largest Asian ethnic group in the US. He will also be attending a business roundtable with CEOs of leading US companies in the cutting-edge areas of artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology.

From Wilmington, the Prime Minister will travel to New York to attend the Summit of the Future (SOTF) at the United Nations on September 23. The theme of the summit is 'Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow'. A Pact for the Future, with its two annexes, Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations, will be the outcome document of the SoTF.