Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a four-day visit to the United States, met US Vice-President Kamala Harris in Washington DC on 23 September 2021.
Both PM Modi and Kamala Harris issued a joint press statement ahead of their bilateral level meet scheduled to be held later on Friday (24 September 2021). Both leaders acknowledged the vibrant people-to-people linkages as the bedrock of the mutually beneficial education linkages and the flow of knowledge, innovation and talent between our two countries.
Both sides affirmed to further vitalize the strategic partnership between the two countries and discussed COVID-19, Indo-Pacific and other issues of mutual and global interest. PM Modi and Kamala Harris also spoke on the COVID-19 situation in their respective countries, including ongoing attempts to tackle and to contain the pandemic through expedited vaccination efforts, and ensuring supply of critical medicines, therapeutics and healthcare equipment.
Noting that India and the US are the largest and oldest democracies, PM Modi said the two countries share values and their cooperation is also gradually increasing. “India & America are natural partners; we have similar values, geopolitical interests, and our coordination and cooperation is also increasing”, said PM Modi while delivering the joint statement with Kamala Harris in Washington DC.
PM Modi also praised US Vice President Kamala Harris as described her as a ‘source of inspiration’ for many across the world, as he extended an invitation to her to visit India. “Your election as Vice President of USA has been an important and historic event. You are a source of inspiration for many across the world. I am confident that under President Biden and your leadership our bilateral relations will touch new heights. Continuing on this journey of victory, Indians would also want you to continue that in India and therefore they are waiting to welcome you. I extend you an invitation to visit India,” said PM Modi while inviting her to visit India.
Both sides also acknowledged the importance of collaborative action on climate change during the interaction. Prime Minister mentioned India’s efforts to promote renewable energy and the recently launched National Hydrogen Mission. He also highlighted the need to make lifestyle changes in order to promote environmental sustainability.
They also discussed areas of future collaboration, including space cooperation, Information Technology, especially emerging and critical technologies, as well as the cooperation in healthcare sector.
