PM Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden covered several topics in their first-ever sit down bilateral talks. They discussed the areas that they would together work on like climate change, COVID-19, emphasising the importance of the diaspora. Both leaders suggested that the countries were at a crucial juncture point in their relationship. PM Modi described his first bilateral meeting as nothing short of outstanding. in the Oval Office with US President Joe Biden, in his tweet, mentioned how the two largest democracies in the world would work together as the Indo-US ties are meant to be “stronger, closer and tighter”.
India’s Prime Minster used this opportunity to highlight the five Ts including tradition, talent, technology, trade and trusteeship.
PM Modi also brought forth important issues concerning the Indian community residing in America. The talk not only involved access for Indian professionals in the US but also about the H-1B visas. H-1B visa is a most sought after, non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in occupations seeking theoretical or technical expertise. These companies largely depend on hiring several thousands of employees from Asian countries like India and China. While briefing the media, India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla mentioned that the discussion acknowledged how several Indian professionals who work in the US contribute to Social Security.
The two leaders attended the first in-person Quad leaders summit. The summit which took place at the White House also had Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japan’s Yoshihide Suga in attendance.
Referring to the decade-long vision of bilateral ties, PM Modi addressed POTUS graciously adding that it’s under the latter’s leadership the seeds have been sown for Indo-US relations. He called this expansion a great step for all democratic countries in the world, which would prove to be a huge transformation in times of current adversities.
President Biden reminded the summit that the entire world celebrates Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday next week. “We’re all reminded that his message of non-violence, respect, tolerance, matters today maybe more than ever,” President Biden stated.
