India & US Aim to Strengthen Ties Following PM Modi’s Recent Visit, Says EAM Jaishankar Ahead of Biden-Modi Meeting

As the eagerly awaited G20 Summit approaches, India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar has expressed anticipation regarding the forthcoming bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the event. EAM Jaishankar highlighted the desire of both nations to build upon the remarkable outcomes of PM Modi’s “strong” state visit to the United States in June of this year.

During an interview with a media house, the External Affairs Minister emphasized the significance of PM Modi’s June visit, underscoring its substantial outcomes and results. He elaborated, “We have had a very strong State visit by the Prime Minister to the United States, strong in terms of the outcomes and the results of that visit. So my understanding is right now, both systems, the Indian system and the American system are busy working that through and trying to implement a lot of what was agreed to in June this year.”

He added, “So I think this would give an occasion for the leaders to take stock.”

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed President Biden’s visit to India for the G20 summit during a press briefing on Tuesday. Sullivan outlined the President’s itinerary, including his participation in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, followed by his engagement in the official sessions of the G20 Summit on Saturday.

Discussing the G20 Summit scheduled for September 9 and 10, the US NSA emphasized the focus on delivering results for developing countries and making progress on key priorities, such as climate and technology, for the American people. He expressed the United States’ commitment to the G20 as a forum capable of delivering tangible outcomes, acknowledging the leadership of Prime Minister Modi during India’s presidency of the G20.

During his state visit to the United States in June of this year, Prime Minister Modi underscored the potential of the India-US partnership to shape a better world in the 21st century. He emphasized that this partnership is grounded in conviction and compassion, enjoying bipartisan support.

Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the prospects of India-US defense industrial cooperation, notably the decision to manufacture fighter jet engines by General Electric, which he described as a significant milestone for India’s defense sector. Additionally, he mentioned the Artemis Accord signed by India and the United States, anticipating its potential to unlock opportunities in the space sector.

A joint statement issued during PM Modi’s official state visit to the United States underscored the leaders’ commitment to a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. They reaffirmed their dedication to respecting territorial integrity, sovereignty, and international law while addressing regional issues in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and East Asia.

As the G20 Summit draws near, the world awaits the outcomes of the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Biden, building upon the foundations of their strong partnership.