G20 Summit: Joe Biden raises importance of human rights, free Press with PM Narendra Modi
New Delhi : On Sunday, US President Joe Biden announced that he had engaged in substantial discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding strategies to enhance the Indo-US partnership. He expressed gratitude to Modi for his leadership and for hosting the G20 Summit in New Delhi. Biden also highlighted the importance of upholding human rights during his conversation with Prime Minister Modi.
President Biden, who was on his inaugural visit to India as the US President, engaged in comprehensive talks with PM Modi. They pledged to further expand and diversify their bilateral defense partnership, while also commending progress in India's acquisition of 31 drones and joint development of jet engines.
During a press conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, Biden expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Modi's leadership and hospitality. He mentioned their substantial discussions on strengthening the relationship between India and the US, building on the Prime Minister's visit to the White House in June of the previous year. Biden also stressed the importance of respecting human rights and the crucial role that civil society and a free press play in building a robust and prosperous nation.
A joint statement issued after the bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Biden emphasized the shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights, inclusion, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all citizens as pivotal to the success of both countries and as strengthening their relationship. Biden also touched upon the substantial business conducted during the G20 Summit in India.
He emphasized that this moment allowed the United States to showcase its global leadership and commitment to addressing critical challenges, such as inclusive growth, sustainable development, the climate crisis, food security, education, global health, and health security. He underlined that the United States presented itself as a positive partner for the shared future of the world.
Regarding the corridor connecting India to Europe via the Middle East and Israel, President Biden mentioned that it would create extensive opportunities for transformative economic investments. He also revealed that the summit addressed the "illegal war in Ukraine," with consensus on the necessity of achieving a just and lasting peace.
In response to questions, President Biden clarified that his objective is to foster global stability by strengthening America's relationships with countries like Vietnam and other Asian nations. He emphasized that his intentions are not aimed at instigating a "cold war" with China but rather at establishing a stable foundation.