PM Modi, US VP Kamala Harris hold first in-person meeting; he invites her to visit India

Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met US Vice President Kamala Harris in their first in-person bilateral engagement, during which he said that under President Joe Biden and her leadership the India-US bilateral relationship “will touch new heights”.

In an address to the media ahead of their bilateral engagement, Prime Minister Modi thanked the US for the assistance extended during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. He also extended her an invitation to visit India.

The US Vice President said that “India is of course is a very important partner”.

After their formal address, both leaders had a long tete-a-tete in the balcony after which they went to hold bilateral talks with their respective delegations.

During the bilateral meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on recent global and regional developments. They discussed the vibrant bilateral partnership, covering emerging and critical technologies, healthcare, education and people to people linkages, according to the MEA spokesperson.

Modi said that both India and the US are the largest and oldest democracies with shared values and their cooperation is also gradually increasing.

He said that both US President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris assumed office at a time when the planet was facing very tough challenges. “In a short time you have had many achievements to your credit be it the COVID-19, climate change or the Quad,” he said.

He said the vibrant and strong people to people connections between India and the US is a bridge between our two countries, their contributions are praiseworthy.

He also thanked the US for help during India’s second wave of Covid. “During India’s second wave when we were suffering, you helped us, with kind words and extended a helping hand, and I say a heartfelt thank you,” he said.

“Your being elected the Vice President of the US itself has been such an important and historic event. You are the source of inspiration for so many people across the world. I am completely confident that under President Biden and your leadership our bilateral relationship will touch new heights.”

Inviting her to India, he said: “Continuing on your journey of victory, Indians would also want you to continue that in India and therefore they are waiting to welcome you and I extend to you specially an invitation to visit India.”

Harris, in her comments, said: “India is of course is a very important partner. Our nations have worked together, have stood together, to make our world a safer and stronger world.”

“Mr Prime Minister when you and I last spoke together we talked about how our world is interconnected and inter dependent than ever before, and the challenges that we face today have highlighted that fact, be in Covid-19, the climate crisis, and the importance of our shared belief in a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

She welcomed India’s announcement that it will soon resume COVID-19 vaccine exports.

She discussed the Covid pandemic and said “our nations have worked together. Early in the pandemic, India was a vital source of vaccines for other countries”.

“When India experienced the surge of COVID in the country, the US was proud to support India in its need and its responsibility to vaccinate its people,” she said.

Touching on democracy, she said: “As democracies around the world are under threat, it is imperative that we defend democratic principles and institutions within our respective countries and around the world.”

“I know from personal experience and from my family of the commitment of the Indian people to democracy, and the work that needs to be done.”

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted pictures of the two leaders speaking without aides ahead of the formal talks.

“Strong commitment to further deepen bilateral relations! PM @narendramodi and @VP Kamala Harris exchanged views on recent global & regional developments. Discussed our vibrant bilateral partnership, covering emerging & critical technologies, healthcare, education & P2P linkages,” he tweeted, on the bilateral talks. (UNI)