In his first meet since the Joe Biden administration took over early this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 22 September held bilateral talks with US Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington DC.
While issuing a joint statement, Harris said that India is an important partner of the United States and praised India's fight against COVID-19 and the vaccination drive.
PM Modi hailed Harris' election as an inspiration and said that he expects the bilateral ties between the two countries to improve under the leadership of Harris and Biden.
PM Modi, who is on a five-day-visit to the United States, also met Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.
Earlier, PM Modi met several dignitaries including Qualcomm CEO Cristiano R Amon, Adobe Chairman Shantanu Narayen, and First Solar CEO Mark Widmar, among others.
Prime Minister Modi, during his visit, will be attending the first in-person summit of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), a grouping that comprises US, Japan, India, and Australia
'My visit to the US would be an occasion to strengthen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with US,' Modi had said on Wednesday, ahead of his visit
The prime minister, on the last day of his visit, will be addressing the United National General Assembly in New York
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PM Modi, Kamala Harris Hold Bilateral Talks
PM Modi and Kamala Harris hold bilateral talks at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are also present.
'Inspiration': PM Modi Hails Kamala Harris' Election
PM Modi expressed gratitude for the help provided by the US during the second wave of the pandemic in India.
"India and America are natural partners; we have similar values, geopolitical interests, and our coordination and cooperation is also increasing," he said.
PM Modi said that the vibrant and strong people-to-people connections between India and the US are a bridge between the two countries.
Praising Harris, PM Modi said: "Your election as Vice President of USA has been an important and historic event. You are a source of inspiration for many across the world. I am confident that under President Biden and your leadership, our bilateral relations will touch new heights."
Kamala Harris Hails India's COVID Fight, Vaccination Drive
US Vice President Kamala Harris, in a joint statement issued with PM Modi, called India an important partner of the United States and praised India's COVID-19 fight and climate change efforts.
"I know that India takes the issue of climate crisis seriously. We believe that the US and India working together can have a profound impact not only on the people of our nations but the world," Harris said.
"On COVID-19, our nations have worked together. Early in the pandemic, India was a vital source of vaccines for other countries," she added.
Harris said that when India experienced the surge in the cases of COVID-19, the United States was proud to support India in its need and its responsibility to vaccinate its people.
"I welcome India's announcement that it will soon be able to resume vaccine exports. It is particular note and admiration that India is currently vaccinating approximately 10 million people a day as of today," Harris said.
PM Modi Meets Kamala Harris
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets US Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington DC.