Prez Biden Calls UP PM Modi, Discusses Ukraine, Bangladesh

US president Joe Biden called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Both leaders discussed regional and global issues over phone including the situation in Ukraine and Bangladesh. They promised to strengthen multilateral cooperation, including in the Quad.

During the call, Modi briefed the US president about his visit to Ukraine on August 23. He reiterated India’s full support for the early restoration of peace and stability. It was first interaction between the two leaders since Biden decided to drop out of the US presidential race in favour of vice president Kamala Harris and PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine.

PM Modi “reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy and expressed full support for early return of peace and stability”, the official readout said.

The two leaders “shared concern over the situation in Bangladesh”, and emphasised the “restoration of law and order and ensuring safety and security of the minorities, particularly Hindus”, the readout added.

PM Modi expressed his appreciation for Biden’s deep commitment to the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership based on the shared values of democracy, rule of law and strong people-to-people ties.

PM Modi is set to visit the US in September to participate in the UN General Assembly and the Summit of the Future to be hosted by the United Nations.