India and the US are now cooperating in several sectors and their strategic partnership is necessary for the welfare of global peace and stability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday.
“Today, India and the US are walking shoulder-to-shoulder from the depths of the ocean to heights of the sky, from ancient culture to artificial intelligence,” Modi said in his opening remarks during his one-on-one meeting with US President Joe Biden in the White House.
“I believe our strategic partnership is important for the welfare of humankind, peace and stability and for all countries believing in democratic values,” he added.
The one-on-one meeting was held in the Oval Office of the White House before the two sides held delegation-level talks.
During his brief remarks, PM Modi stressed on the strong people-to-people ties between New Delhi and Washington. He also praised Biden’s commitment to building ties with India, adding that it prompted New Delhi to take bold measures.
‘Inspired India to take bold measures’
“Eight years ago, you were addressing the US-India Presidents Council where you said our goal is to become India’s best friend. It is this personal commitment of yours to India that is inspiring us to take many bold and ambitious initiatives,” Modi said.
In September 2015, while serving as then US vIce-president, Biden addressed the 40th Leadership summit of US-India Business Council (USIBC) in Washington during which he had also stated that the bilateral relationship will be one that helps ‘define’ the 21st century.
PM Modi remarked that diplomatic relations between the two countries are generally spoken in terms of joint statement, and working groups. However, the “real engine” of the India-US relations is the strong people-to-people ties, he added.
An hour earlier, the Indian prime minister participated in a welcome ceremony at the South Lawns of the White House which was attended by throngs of Indian-Americans.
The night prior, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted PM Modi for a dinner at the White House. During this, the two sides exchanged gifts, including an Indian lab-grown diamond that was handed over to the First Lady.