New Delhi [India], July 28 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and welcomed President Joe Biden’s strong commitment to strengthening the India–US Strategic Partnership.
In a tweet, PM Modi said, “Good to meet US Secretary of State @SecBlinken today. I welcome President Biden’s strong commitment to strengthen the India–US Strategic Partnership, which is anchored in our shared democratic values and is a force for global good.”
Earlier in the day, Blinken, who is on his first visit to India after assuming office, said India and US partnership will be critical for delivering stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and to show the world how democracy can deliver for its people.
Addressing the joint conference with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar, the US top diplomat said that there are very few relationships in the world that are more vital than the one between India and the US.
Blinken asserted that US President Joe Biden feels a “deep personal commitment” to making India–US ties as strong and as effective as it can be.
Jaishankar and Blinken also discussed regional security issues including Afghanistan during the meeting.
“India and US share a strong interest in peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan. As a credible partner in the region, India has and will continue to make a vital contribution to Afghanistan’s stability and development,” Blinken said.
He assured that the US and India will continue to work together to sustain the gains of the Afghan people.
Meanwhile, the United States announced USD 25 million assistance to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts across India.
“US has contributed more than 200 million dollars worth of COVID19 assistance. I am pleased to announce that the United States government will send additional 25 million dollars to support vaccination efforts across India,” Blinken announced during a joint press conference.
India-US Strategic Partnership will be of even greater global significance in coming years, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the India-US Strategic Partnership will be of even greater global significance in the coming years, in the context of the challenges posed by COVID-19, global economic recovery and climate change.
PM Modi’s remarks came during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken here.
Prime Minister Modi also said that the societies of the US and India share a deep commitment to the values of democracy, freedom, and liberty, and the Indian diaspora in the US has contributed immensely to the enhancement of bilateral ties.
According to Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) release, Blinken appreciated the increasing convergence between India and the US on a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues, and the commitment of both strategic partners to convert this convergence into concrete and practical cooperation.
Blinken conveyed the greetings of US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to Prime Minister Modi. He also briefed PM Modi on his fruitful exchanges with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval earlier in the day and expressed strong commitment to further deepen India US strategic relations in various sectors including defence, maritime security, trade and investment, climate change and science and technology.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his warm greetings to Biden and Harris and his appreciation for the initiatives taken by President Biden including those related to the Quad, COVID-19 and Climate Change, the release added.
“Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today, where they discussed efforts to deepen the US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.
He added, “Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Modi discussed regional challenges and a growing range of cooperation on COVID-19 response efforts, climate change, shared values and democratic principles, and regional security, including through U.S.-Australia-India-Japan Quad consultations.” (ANI)
