Biden, India's Modi meet virtually amid difference on Ukraine war

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden hosted Indian Premier Narendra Modi for a virtual meeting at the White House on Monday as the two nations seek to bolster bilateral ties despite stark differences on Russia's war against Ukraine.

Biden said the US and India are in "close consultations" about Russia's assault on its eastern European neighbor, and how best to manage its "destabilizing effects."

"At the root of our partnership is a deep connection between our people, ties of family, of friendship, and shared values," he said. "I want to welcome India's humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine who are suffering a horrific assault."

Biden talked with Modi behind closed doors while the Indian and American defense and foreign secretaries met in-person in Washington.

The president and prime minister emphasized the growing bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi, pointing in particular to advances in their defense partnership.

"The new momentum that has been created would have been hard to even imagine a few decades ago," said Modi, who called the situation in Ukraine "very worrying."

"I am confident that our friendship with America will be an integral part of India's development journey over the next 25 years," he added.

The US is expected to press India to adopt a tougher line against Russia during both Biden's bilateral with Modi, and the parallel meeting of defense and foreign ministers. New Delhi has officially adopted a policy of neutrality in the conflict, but Modi did say the apparent mass killings of civilians in Bucha "very worrying."

India has so far resisted pressure from the US to tamp down purchases of Russian oil and gas, two of the main pillars of Moscow's economy, and abstained last week from a US-led UN General Assembly vote that suspended Russia from the Human Rights Council.

Washington is also considering sanctions on India for its purchase of the advanced Russian S-400 air defense system.

Following Biden's meeting with Modi, the White House said the leaders agreed to expand cooperation on "clean energy, technology and military cooperation, and expanded economic and people-to-people ties."

"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," it said in a statement.

"The two Leaders also discussed the destabilizing impacts of Russia’s war against Ukraine, with a particular focus on global food supply," it added.

The American and Indian foreign and defense ministers are expected to brief reporters after the conclusion of their "2+2" meeting later Monday afternoon.