PM Modi talks to US President-elect Joe Biden, discusses cooperation on COVID-19, Indo Pacific
.jpg)
New Delhi: In first-ever talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President-elect of the United States Joe Biden, the focus was on cooperation on how to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, its economic impact, and Indo Pacific.
"Spoke to US President-elect @JoeBiden on phone to congratulate him. We reiterated our firm commitment to the Indo-US strategic partnership and discussed our shared priorities and concerns - Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region," PM Modi said in a tweet.
He also conveyed congratulations for VP-elect Kamala Harris to Biden saying her, "success is a matter of great pride and inspiration for members of the vibrant Indian-American community, who are a tremendous source of strength for Indo-US relations."
As vice president under Obama's administration, Biden had earlier engaged with PM Modi. In fact, he had chaired a Joint Session of the Congress in June 2016 which was addressed by PM Modi.
A readout from Biden-Harris transition team said, president-elect "expressed his desire to strengthen and expand the U.S.-India strategic partnership" alongside the "first vice president of South Asian descent."
The readout highlighted key areas in which the Biden administration "looks forward to working closely" with Prime Minister Modi which include "containing COVID-19 and defending against future health crises, tackling the threat of climate change, launching the global economic recovery, strengthening democracy at home and abroad" and "maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region."
One area which both readout mention is Indo-Pacific, a concept that was the key focus of Trump Admin and New Delhi and shows continuity on the issue. The concept, backed by India, the US, and like-minded partners is seen suspiciously by China.
Biden has been a supporter of close New Delhi-Washington ties, in his capacity as senator and the vice president. In August 2001, Joe Biden had written a letter to then-President George W. Bush calling on the new administration to drop U.S. sanctions against India and during his tenure as the Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he worked towards the U.S. Senate’s approval of US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008.
Other Latest News
.webp)
There were 16.58 billion Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions worth Rs 23.5 trillion in October, the highest numbers for the digital system since it became operational in April 2016.
UPI’s previous peak was 15.04 billion in volume terms in September 2024 and Rs 20.64 trillion in value in July. Data from previous months shows that the growth in transactions is driven by person to merchant transactions (for buying goods or services), which got a festival season push in October.
.webp)
Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja slammed the idea of implementing 'One Nation One Election (ONOE)' saying that there is "strong perception" against such a policy as it will destroy the multi-party democratic system in the country.
"This is the current agenda for PM Modi, nothing else. There is strong public opinion against 'One nation, One election' because there is a perception that it will destroy the multi-party democratic system in the country.
.webp)
In view of the upcoming assembly election, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited Malad for the election campaign on Friday.
On October 28, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar filed his nomination from the Baramati assembly seat. Ajit Pawar split the NCP in June 2023.
.webp)
Oil marketing companies have raised the price of commercial LPG cylinders in major cities, with the new rates effective from November 1.
In Delhi, the cost of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has increased by Rs 62, now retailing at Rs 1,802, up from Rs 1,740. This increase follows an earlier hike on October 1, when prices rose by Rs 48.50 to Rs 1,740.
.webp)
The morning after Diwali, residents of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and other areas in the National Capital Region awoke to a thick layer of toxic smog. Many locations in Haryana reported air quality indices (AQI) categorized as 'poor' and 'very poor' during the Diwali celebrations.
In Anand Vihar, Delhi, the AQI reached a concerning 395 at 6 AM on November 1, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The air quality deteriorated further on Diwali night, with PM2.5 levels rising sharply, creating hazardous conditions for respiratory health.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
