PM Modi-President Biden Virtual Meet: Russia-Ukraine conflict dominates talks, PM Modi condemns Bucha Killings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden on April 11, 2022. Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who were in Washington DC for India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, were also present during the interaction along with their US counterparts US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. 

The two leaders exchanged views on several regional and global issues including the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic recovery, climate action, the Indo-Pacific region and the situation in Ukraine. They also took stock of the significant progress made in bilateral relations in recent years. 

The two leaders agreed that further strengthening of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership will be of significant benefit to the two nations and would also contribute to global peace, prosperity and stability. 

They also committed to continue cooperation – bilaterally and multilaterally – on ending the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening global health security, advancing global food security, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific: White House

— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2022

Modi-Biden Virtual Meet- Key Highlights

• The two leaders committed to strengthening the US-India relationship through cooperation on clean energy, technology & military cooperation & expanded economic & people-to-people ties.
• They also emphasized their shared commitment to respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
• They also discussed the destabilizing impacts of Russia’s war against Ukraine, with a particular focus on the global food supply. 
• They also committed to continuing cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, on ending the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening global health security, advancing global food security and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The two leaders also discussed the destabilizing impacts of Russia’s war against Ukraine, with a particular focus on global food supply. President Biden and Prime Minister Modi looked forward to meeting in person later this spring, in Tokyo, for the Quad summit: White House

— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2022

PM Modi on Ukraine Crisis

PM Narendra Modi highlighted that India has sent medicines and other relief materials to Ukraine and other neighbouring nations and would be sending another consignment of medicines soon on demand of Ukraine.

PM Modi further informed US President that he spoke with the Presidents of Ukraine & Russia over phone several times and appealed to them for peace and suggested President Putin for direct talks with the Ukrainian President.

#WATCH | PM says, "I spoke with Presidents of Ukraine & Russia over phone several times; appealed to them for peace & suggested Pres Putin for direct talks with Ukrainian Pres. Killing of innocent citizens in Bucha very concerning, we condemned & also demanded an impartial probe" pic.twitter.com/tPsvQg4DCc

— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2022

On Bucha Killings

PM Modi said that the recent news of the killing of innocent citizens in Bucha city was very concerning. "We immediately condemned it and also demanded an impartial probe. We hope that through the talks between Russia and Ukraine, a path for peace would come out," stressed the Prime Minister. 

Recent news of the killing of innocent citizens in Bucha city was very concerning. We immediately condemned it and also demanded an impartial probe. We hope that through the talks between Russia and Ukraine, a path for peace would come out: PM in virtual interaction with US Pres pic.twitter.com/M3HWHeyvEQ

— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2022

US President on Russia-Ukraine Conflict

US President Joe Biden said that the United States and India are going to continue their close consultation on how to manage the stabilising effects of this Russian war. Biden stated that their continued consultation and dialogue are key to ensuring US-Indian relationship continues to grow deep and stronger.

President Biden further welcomed India's humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine and said, "We share a strong & growing major defence partnership. The majority of our partnership is a deep connection between our people and our shared values. Our friendship and our shared values."

India-US natural partners: PM Modi

PM Modi highlighted during the virtual meeting with US President Biden that India and US are natural partners as the largest and oldest democracies. He stated that the progress that has taken place in the relations between the two countries in the last few years was hard to even imagine a few decades ago.

Significance

Joe Biden had last spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi with other Quad Leaders in March. The US President Biden said at the conclusion of the virtual meeting that he is looking forward to meeting PM Modi during the Quad Summit in Japan on May 24th. 

The virtual meeting preceded the 4th India-US 2+2 Ministerial Meeting between External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh of India and their US counterparts Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.