PM Modi in the U.S.: Discusses Bilateral Trade with VP Kamala Harris

Ahead of the Quad Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discuss bilateral trade with the U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. 

PM Modi is on three days scheduled trip to the U.S. regarding bilateral discussion and Quad Summit, including Japan and Australia.

PM Modi was seen discussing bilateral trades with VP Kamala Harris. He also congratulated Kamala for being Vice President of the U.S. and extended his warm welcome by inviting her to India.

Later, Modi met Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison before Quad Summit.

The bilateral talks held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House also welcomed National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. 

Kamala Harris praises India for its extensive vaccination drive. 

In the first meet with PM Modi since Kamala became Vice President of the U.S, Kamala glorified the substantial measures taken by India for its vaccination drive.  

“I know that India takes the issue of climate crisis seriously. We believe that the U.S. and India working together can have a profound impact not only on the people of our nations but theworld,” Harris asserted.

“On COVID19, our nations have worked together. Early in thepandemic, India was a vital source of vaccines for other countries,” further she added.  

Moreover, the V.P. stated that during the escalating cases in India, the U.S. was proud to help India in any way it could.

Meanwhile, PM Modi extended his gratitude and invited Kamala to India. He also called the V.P. an inspiration.

Modi tweeted that her feat has inspired many, and the discussion on multiple significant topics is likely to strengthen the India-USA friendship bond.  

Discussion on multiple topics, including terrorism supported by Pakistan 

The bilateral talk between Kamala and PM Modi included several essential topics such as cyber security, space, covid situation and terrorism.

During the briefing at the press conference, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla stated, the V.P. rolled out the issue of terrorism and despised the support of Pakistan in it.

She asked Pakistan to stop supporting such terror groups and take some action against them.

She further added such terror groups constitute a significant threat to U.S. security and India. Moreover, due to such unpredictable issues, Pakistan needs to be closely monitored.  

The duo also discussed the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and affirmed to have a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Besides, the covid problem in respective countries was addressed, and both ensured maximum support bilaterally through the optimum supply of medical equipment, medicines and therapeutics.  

First in-person meeting of PM Modi with his Australian counterpart, Scott Morrison  

Besides Kamala Harris, PM Modi met his counterpart, PM Scott Morrison, before Quad meeting hosted by Joe Biden.

This is the first in-person meeting of the duo after the bilateral discussion over the phone a week ago.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the last bilateral meeting was the Leaders’ Virtual Summit held on June 4, when the Strategic Partnership between India and Australia was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

As per MEA reports, the leaders discussed several critical topics concerning bilateral, regional, and global levels.  

PM Modi called out a discussion on clean energy between the leaders and emphasised the importance of clean energy by providing clean energy technology in future.

The duo ensured the commitment to work closely to overcome the challenges that surfaced post-pandemic. 

“Both leaders lauded the immense contribution of the Indian diaspora to Australia’s economy and society, and discussed ways to optimise people to people ties,” the MEA stated. 

Modi had a ‘fruitful’ discussion with Suga. 

PM Modi met his Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga on Thursday (September 24) and said to have a ‘fruitful discussion’.

The duo discussed ways to boost trade and cultural ties. “Prime Ministers @narendramodi and @sugawitter had a fruitful meeting in Washington 

DC. Both leaders held discussions on several issues, including ways to give further impetus to trade and cultural ties.” read the PMO tweet.

This meeting is the first in-person meeting of PM Modi with Suga, after their telephonic conversation last year discussing cooperation in various sectors such as skill development, high technology, and tackling the pandemic together.  

The first in-person summit of Quad hosted by President Joe Biden on September 24 will include countries like Australia, Japan, the U.S., and Australia.

As per ANI reports, MEA stated, “The leaders will review progress made since their first virtual summit on March 12 2021, and discuss regional issues of shared interests”. 

Earlier, PM Modi met several luminary people, including Qualcomm CEO Cristiano R Amon, Adobe Chairman Shantanu Narayen, and First Solar CEO Mark Widmar.