Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US President Joe Biden on Saturday, describing the India-US partnership as "stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history." The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Quad summit in Wilmington, Delaware, at Biden's personal residence where both leaders aimed to explore new pathways to deepen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between the two nations.





"The United States' partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history. Each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation," Biden remarked, underscoring the significance of their discussions.






In a video shared by DD News, PM Modi and the US President were seen embracing before entering the house, with Biden holding Modi's hand as they walked inside.






Accompanying Modi were External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra. The US delegation included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Sullivan, and the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti.


Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, shared a post on X, describing the meeting as a "warm and special beginning to an important visit." Modi's three-day trip to the United States includes separate bilateral meetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.






PM Modi's visit includes attending the Quad Leaders' Summit, which will be hosted at US President Biden’s residence in Wilmington, Delaware, as well as addressing the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.


PM Modi landed at Philadelphia International Airport on Saturday, 21 September, and travelled to Delaware from there for the Summit. Modi took to X and wrote, "An energetic welcome in Philadelphia! Our diaspora’s blessings are greatly cherished."






He also shared a video of his warm welcome by the Indian diaspora.






US National Security Advisor On Modi And Biden's Talks


Hours prior to the meeting, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan revealed that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict will be a significant topic of discussion. 


"I won't go too deep into the details of what he will say on those issues which are obviously sensitive and will obviously be critical priorities in the bilateral meeting. I will just say that the United States has been clear about our view that Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine flouted every norm and principle of international law, that countries like India, India should step up and support the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that every country everywhere should refrain from supplying inputs to Russia's war machine for it to be able to continue to prosecute this brutal war. So they will talk about that," he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.


Sullivan also mentioned that Biden would seek PM Modi’s input on his recent visit to Ukraine, calling it a "historic trip." The leaders are expected to explore paths towards peace between the two warring nations. Additionally, the meeting will address China's actions in the region, covering security, technology, and economic issues. "The President will also hear from Prime Minister Modi about his trip to Ukraine... It will be an opportunity for the two of them to talk about their respective views on the way forward," Sullivan said.


Responding to concerns over China being the focus of the Quad discussions, Sullivan clarified, "The purpose of the Quad is not to come together around China or any other country. It's to come together around how to construct a free and open Indo-Pacific." He stressed that while China's actions will be discussed, the Quad’s aim is broader, focusing on the larger vision of maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific.


US President Biden, in a post on X, welcomed the Quad leaders to his hometown, saying, "Today, I’ll welcome Prime Ministers Albanese, Modi, and Kishida to my home: Delaware. These leaders aren't just essential to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific – they’re friends of mine and friends of our nation. I look forward to all we’ll accomplish in the Summit ahead."






Following the Quad Summit, PM Modi will travel to New York to attend an event with the Indian community at Long Island on 22 September. On Monday, 23 September, he will address the UN General Assembly at the 'Summit of the Future.'