April 10, 2022
3 mins read

Biden-Modi virtual summit ahead of 2+2 meet

The US has been trying to persuade India to join it in taking a harder line against Russia…writes ARUL LOUIS

US President Joe Biden will discuss with Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Russian invasion of Ukraine when they hold a virtual summit just before the diplomatic and defence leaders of the two countries meet for their 2+2 meeting, the White House announced on Sunday.

While the relations between the two largest democracies have been growing at an unprecedented pace, they have been at odds over the Russian invasion of Ukraine with India trying to stay neutral to the consternation of the US.

The US has been trying to persuade India to join it in taking a harder line against Russia.

Biden’s Spokesperson Jen Psaki said: “President Biden will continue our close consultations on the consequences of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine and mitigating its destabilizing impact on global food supply and commodity markets.”

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are to hold the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to discuss a range of issues, bilateral and global, on Monday.

Amid the differences between the two countries on Ukraine, the mention of “mitigating” the invasion’s impact on global food supply could open the way for cooperation between India and the US to help countries facing a crisis from the rising prices and shortages of wheat.

India has a huge stockpile of wheat — estimated at 100 million tonnes, far beyond its immediate safety net requirements — that could be deployed to help countries facing a food crisis.

Psaki said that further deepening ties “between our governments, economies, and our people”, will be on the summit agenda.

She indicated that the Indo-Pacific will feature prominently in their conversation.

They will discuss “upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific”, she said.

They “will advance ongoing conversations about the development of an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and delivering high-quality infrastructure”, she added.

They will also discuss “cooperation on a range of issues including ending the Covid-19 pandemic, countering the climate crisis, strengthening the global economy”, she added.

“President Biden believes our partnership with India is one of the most important relationships we have in the world,” she said on Friday at her briefing in Washington.

The Pentagon announced that Singh and Austin will meet on Monday morning before the 2+2 meeting.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meets US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin in Washington. (Photo:https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar)

Defence Department Spokesperson John Kirby said that at the 2+2 meeting, the four leaders will discuss “defence, science, technology, cooperation, climate, public health, and people-to-people ties”.

“Since its inception in 2018, the 2+2 Ministerial has allowed the US and India to continue to work towards building an advanced comprehensive defence partnership that we think is poised very well to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” he added.

The virtual meeting will enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

Earlier on Sunday, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that he would be leaving New Delhi on Sunday night for a visit to the US from April 10 to April 15.

“I look forward to attend the Fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington DC. Also, I shall be visiting INDOPACOM headquarters in Hawai, during this visit,” he said.

Singh further stated the visit to the US will give him an opportunity to hold talks with his counterparts to deepen the India-US strategic partnership.

He had stated that he is looking forward to fruitful interactions during the visit.

ALSO READ: Biden lauds Russia’s suspension from UNHRC

Previous Story

Imran plans street protests

Next Story

US, India to ink space deals during 2+2 summit

Latest from -Top News

Islamists Rise Under Yunus Rule

After the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Islamic parties in Bangladesh, crushed for years by the Awami League government, have made inroads into the political arena…writes Baidya

TIES WITH CHINA: Is Bangladesh Going Lanka Way?

Plans for nine Special Economic Zones, including Chinese-developed sites in Chattogram and Chandpur, promise jobs but risk creating enclaves where Beijing’s economic priorities overshadow Bangladesh’s….reports Asian Lite News On a humid March

Khaleda Zia’s Son Return Looms as Yunus Faces Heat

The core question remains whether Rahman can provide leadership in politically turbulent times in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News Speculation is mounting in Bangladesh over the possible return of Tarique Rahman, son of

India Eyes Top 5 Spot in Global Entertainment

With focused investments, policy support, and infrastructural upgrades, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030…reports Asian Lite News Fueled by
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Global South on focus as India’s busy diplomatic season kicks off

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to become voice of

North on red alert for 5 days

The weather body predicted heatwave to severe heatwave conditions to