Just after Mr. Biden’s Air Force One touched down in Delhi ahead of the weekend’s G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden had a private chat at Mr. Biden’s house in Delhi late on Friday night. Photos of the two leaders conversing were posted by the Prime Minister’s Office on “a wide range of issues (that) will further deepen bond between India and the US”.
A number of topics, including a deal for jet engines, procurement of predator drones, and collaboration on critical technologies like 5G and 6G networks, are likely to be discussed, officials had said.
A significant rail contract was also mentioned, but US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan declined to corroborate these rumours. However, he did indicate that it is a project in which the US is actively involved. “We believe connectivity from India – across the Middle East – to Europe is incredibly important and will bring a significant number of economic as well as strategic benefits to all countries involved,” he had mentioned.
Before leaving for India earlier today, Mr. Biden wrote on X (previously Twitter) : “every time we (the G20) engage, we get better”. “I’m headed to the G20 – the premier forum for international economic cooperation… focused on making progress on Americans’ priorities, delivering for developing nations, and showing our commitment to the G20 as a forum that can deliver,” he added.
“I’m headed to the G20 – the premier forum for international economic cooperation – focused on making progress on Americans’ priorities, delivering for developing nations, and showing our commitment to the G20 as a forum that can deliver.”
At this summit, which coincides with developing economies banding together — in organisations like BRICS — to guarantee their concerns are addressed, the White House is eager to demonstrate the US can deliver for the globe.
