Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day visit to the United States, met US Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. Modi described India and America as “natural partners” as he held the first in-person meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris. During the meeting, the two leaders decided to further cement the Indo-US strategic partnership and discussed global issues of common interest, including threats to democracy, Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific.
“Glad to have met @VP @KamalaHarris. Her feat has inspired the entire world. We talked about multiple subjects that will further cement the India-USA friendship, which is based on shared values and cultural linkages,” PM Modi tweeted after meeting Harris. “India and America are natural partners. We have similar values, geopolitical interests,” Modi said in a joint media appearance with Harris. Noting that India and the US are the largest and oldest democracies, Modi said the two countries share values and their cooperation is also gradually increasing. “I am confident that our bilateral relations will touch new heights under President Joe Biden and you,” Modi told Harris, describing her as “a source of inspiration for many people in world”. Both the leaders discussed issues such as climate change, terrorism, cyber security, space, and others during the meeting. When the issue of terrorism came up, VP Kamala Harris suo motu referred to Pakistan’s role in that regard. She asked Pakistan to stop supporting terror groups. Kamala Harris pointed at the need to reign in and closely monitor Pakistan’s support for such terror groups.
PM Modi and Kamala Harris also discussed the Covid-19 situation in their respective countries, including ongoing efforts to contain the pandemic through expedited vaccination efforts, and ensuring supply of critical medicines, therapeutics and healthcare equipment. Modi invited Harris to visit India. Harris had earlier spoken with Modi over the phone in June during the COVID-19 crisis in India. Harris, 56, is the first-ever person of Indian origin to be elected as the vice-president of the United States.
