Washington DC: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday (Thursday as per US time) at Eisenhower Executive Office Building. During their meeting, PM Modi said the two countries share values and the coordination and cooperation are gradually increasing.
"India and America are natural partners. We have similar values, similar geopolitical interests," PM Modi said in a joint media appearance with Harris.
"You are the source of inspiration for so many people across the world. I am completely confident that our bilateral relationship will touch new heights under President Biden and your leadership," PM Modi told VP Harris.
"Both President Biden and you assumed office at a time when our planet faced very tough challenges. In a short time you have had many achievements to your credit be it COVID-19, climate change, or the QUAD," Modi said.
"As relates to the Indo-Pacific, the US stresses on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Kamala Harris said, amidst China's aggressive moves in the strategically vital region.
“The challenges that we face today have highlighted that fact. COVID-19, climate crisis and the importance of our shared belief in the Indo-Pacific region,” she said.
The meeting holds significance as it is a precursor to the PM Modi-Joe Biden bilateral meet which is going to be held on Friday (September) at the White House.
The meeting was also special, in a way, as Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the US, enjoys Indian roots.
PM Modi also invited the 56-year-old Democratic leader to visit India.
Meanwhile, ahead of their meeting, PM Modi had expressed that India is looking at "opportunities for cooperation particularly in the area of science and technology."