Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday had a telephone conversation with US president-elect Joseph Biden, congratulating him on his election. He also extended congratulations and best wishes to Kamala Harris, the vice president-elect.
Modi told Biden that his election was a testimony to the strength and resilience of democratic traditions in the US.
"The leaders agreed to work closely to further advance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, built on shared values and common interests. The leaders also discussed their priorities, including containing the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting access to affordable vaccines, tackling climate change and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region," said a statement from the Indian government.
Both Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind had extended congratulations to Biden and Harris on November 8 itself, soon after their sweep in the US elections had become clear. The official phone call between the leaders happened on Tuesday.
Modi recalled his earlier interactions with Biden, including during his official visits to the US in 2014 and in 2016. Biden had chaired the joint session of the US Congress that Modi addressed during his 2016 visit.
Biden is among the few US vice-presidents who have visited India while in office. He visited in July 2013 on a five-day trip.
Biden has had a soft corner for India and was a key figure in getting the unilateral sanctions against India after Pokhran 2 nuclear tests lifted. He was also involved in the drafting of the India-US civil nuclear deal.
It is likely that he will visit India sometime during his tenure, and observers feel it may be earlier into the term, given the new strength in the bilateral relationship. When he does make that visit, he will be the second US leader after Richard Nixon to visit India as both vice-president and president.
