In Bilateral, PM Modi, Biden Discuss Covid, Climate Change: 10 Points

1. "This decade will be shaped by talent and people-to-people linkages. I am glad the Indian diaspora is making an active contribution towards USA's progress," PM Modi told Mr Biden. "Today's bilateral summit is important. We are meeting at the start of the third decade of this century. Your leadership will certainly play an important role in how this decade is shaped. The seeds have been sown for an even stronger friendship between India and USA," the Prime Minister said.

2. Mr Biden said, "Relations between India and US are destined to be stronger. We should explore what more we can do to fight COVID-19, climate challenge and work for a safer Indo-pacific. Upholding democratic values, joint commitment to diversity, respect for non-violence and tolerance are more relevant today than ever."

3. PM Modi also attended the first in-person Quad summit hosted by the US President. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga also attended the summit. The Quad summit aims to boost cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region amid China's growing dominance in the area.

4. "Our four nations met for the first time after the 2004 Tsunami to help the Indo-Pacific region. Today, when the world is fighting against COVID-19 pandemic, we have come here once again as Quad for the welfare of humanity," PM Modi said in his opening remarks.

5. The Quad countries -- Australia, India, Japan and the US -- would announce a new working group on space, a supply chain initiative and a 5G deployment and diversification effort apart from discussing issues like challenges in the Indo Pacific, climate change and COVID-19 pandemic.

6. For the US, the Quad meeting marks another step to reviving an American focus on diplomatic efforts, following its dramatic exit from the 20-year Afghanistan war. And "the Biden administration understands that the challenges of the 21st century will largely play out in the Indo-Pacific," a senior administration official, who asked not to be named, told AFP. "We are doubling down on our efforts."

7. Of the three regional groupings that Washington leads in its strategic chess game to manage China's ascent, the Quad is deliberately the most open. The other two are the "Five Eyes" intelligence-sharing alliance, comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, and the newest arrival on the block - AUKUS.

8. Earlier today, PM Modi held his first meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris, where the latter brought up Pakistan's role in terrorism and asked Islamabad to take action so it does not impact America and India's security.

9. Before meeting Ms Harris, PM Modi met his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison in Washington. On Thursday, the Prime Minister also met with his Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga. This was PM Modi's first in-person meeting with Mr Suga after the latter took over the reins from Shinzo Abe in September last year.

10. PM Modi will conclude the US visit with an address at the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on global challenges including the pandemic, the need to combat terrorism, climate change and other important issues.

With inputs from agencies