President Biden Invited To Republic Day Celebrations By PM Modi, Says US Envoy Eric Garcetti

The government has not officially confirmed yet that an invitation has been extended to US President Joe Biden.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Joe Biden at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajghat on the final day of the G20 Summit. ( Image Source :PTI )

New Delhi: US President Joe Biden has been invited to the January 26-Republic Day celebrations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Ambassador Eric Garcetti said on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday. However, the government did not officially confirm yet that an invitation has been extended to President Biden.  

Meanwhile, United States and India launched a mechanism to facilitate deployment of 10,000 made-in-India electric buses across the country.

According to a joint statement issued earlier this month, India and the US will provide support for a payment security mechanism for expanding electric mobility in India, in a boost to the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme. This scheme aims to procure 10,000 electric buses for cities that lack adequate public transport.

“Every day we see the impact of the climate crisis at a global level.  We must respond now or jeopardize the future of our planet and our people.  The partnership announced today will mobilize financing for a fleet of 10,000 electric buses throughout India, expanding options for electric public transportation in India, creating cleaner cities and healthier communities,” Garcetti said.

A major component of the project will be a new payment security mechanism (PSM) that will boost new and sustainable investments by lowering financial risks. The PSM leads to improved loan terms and reduced financing costs, thereby, facilitating smoother project implementation. 

Speaking on the India-Canada diplomatic row, Gercetti said the perpetrators will be brought to book and there should be an investigation before inferences are drawn.

“Canada is a dear friend, partner and ally and happens to be our northern neighbour. We care deeply for Canada just as we care deeply for India. I think that moments like this don't define our relationship, but they certainly can slow down progress. With an active criminal investigation, I hope that we can make sure that perpetrators are brought to justice and that we can all allow the space for that information and that investigation to occur before anybody leaps to judgment,” Garcetti said while speaking to the media.