NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON: In their first conversation since Joe Biden’s inauguration, the new US president “underscored” to PM Narendra Modi “his desire to defend democratic institutions and norms around the world and noted that a shared commitment to democratic values is the bedrock for the US-India relationship,” the White House said.
Prime Minister Modi said they were “committed to a rules-based international order. We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond”.

After his conversation with US President Joe Biden, PM Modi, in a tweet, said, “We also agreed to further our co-operation against climate change.” “The leaders agreed to continuing close cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, including support for freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and a stronger regional architecture through the Quad,” the White House said. “They further resolved that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld in Burma. The leaders agreed to stay in close touch on a range of global challenges,” it added.
“The US and India will work closely together to win the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, renew their partnership on climate change, rebuild the global economy in a way that benefits the people of both countries, and stand together against the scourge of global terrorism,” the White House said.

Modi emphasised agreement on issues that are close to the Biden administration. Climate change is important for Biden, especially as the United States plans to return to the Paris Accord. Modi’s emphasis also shows that India is particularly proactive on climate. Biden embraced the Indo-Pacific, a concept inherited from his predecessor Donald Trump. But his fullthroated endorsement of the concept is important for India which has invested in the Indo-Pacific for the past few years. It also signalled the India and US are still on the same page on China.