Kamala Harris points out that working together on climate change with India and the US could have a “profound” impact as well as the importance of relations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President Kamala Harris held bilateral talks on Thursday afternoon. Mr Modi was welcomed In the 150-year-old Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which houses the ceremonial office of the Vice President.
The meeting started with comments at the top, with some press in the room. Not all the traveling Indian press was present – access has been a challenge – officials said, adding that only state-run media and at least one private news agency were allowed to participate on the Indian side. Hindu Was able to get access at the last minute.
Ms. Harris spoke first, and Mr. Modi later, with interpreters translating between English and Hindi.
Mr Modi spoke about the warmth of Ms Harris’ message in a phone call earlier this year, when India was facing its second wave of the pandemic.
“Your Excellency, a few months ago, we had the opportunity to talk to each other on the phone. We had a detailed discussion at that time. And I will always remember the way you spoke to me so warmly and with such ease. So much. -Many thanks,” Mr Modi said, describing Harris as a “true friend” and acknowledging the help of the US government, its private sector and the Indian diaspora.
India and the US, being the largest and oldest democracies respectively, were “natural allies”, Mr Modi said, and shared similar values and geopolitical interests. The Prime Minister said that strengthening the supply chain, technology and space are important areas for both the countries and where cooperation is important.
He described Ms Harris’ election as a “significant and historic event” and a source of inspiration for many globally. Ms Harris is America’s first female Vice President, and is of African American and Indian descent. Mr Modi appeared to mention this India connection and Ms. Harris invited to come.
“Your Excellency, in continuing this journey of victory, the Indians also want you to continue this in India and therefore, they look forward to welcoming you. And so, I would especially invite you to visit India. I will,” Mr Modi said. Ms Harris can be seen smiling behind her face mask.
Ms. Harris said that India is a “Very Important” Partner for America. And both the countries had worked hard to make the world safe and strong.
He said that India was the source of vaccines for other countries in the early days global pandemic And that the US was “proud” to support India’s vaccination efforts.
Appreciating the daily rate of vaccination in India, he said, “The United States is very proud of the need and responsibility to support India and vaccinate its people, and I welcome India’s announcement that we need to export vaccines.” Should be able to start again.”
Ms Harris said India and the US working together on climate change – supported by the governments of both countries – could have a “profound” impact. He also mentioned the weaknesses in the Indo-Pacific and the importance of relationships.
“And as it relates to the end of the Pacific, the United States, like India, feels very strongly about the pride of being a member of the Indo Pacific, but at the same time recognizes the fragility and importance and strength of those relationships. This includes maintaining a free and open Indo Pacific,” she said.
Ms Harris said it was “essential” for India and the US to strengthen democracy in their respective countries, protect democratic principles and institutions.
“Ultimately, as democracies around the world are under threat, it is imperative that we defend democratic principles and institutions in our respective countries and around the world and uphold what we must do to strengthen democracy at home. ,” said Ms Harris.
“And it is up to our nations, of course, to protect democracies in the best interest of the people of our countries,” she said, referencing her family’s experience.
“I know from personal experience and from my family the commitment of the Indian people to democracy and freedom and the actions that can be taken to imagine and then truly achieve our vision for democratic principles and institutions. Can,” said Ms. Harris.
In the Prime Minister’s delegation, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and US Ambassador to India Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
The Vice President’s delegation included (according to his office): Nancy McEldoney, Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor to the Vice President, Tina Flornoy, Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the Vice President, Philip Gordon, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy to the Vice President National Security Adviser, Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific, National Security Council, Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Department of State and David Richeloff, Vice President’s Special for South Asia Consultant.
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