This Article is From Sep 21, 2021

PM Modi, Joe Biden To Discuss Afghanistan, Terror, Says Foreign Secretary

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said PM Modi and Joe Biden will review "robust and multifaceted" India-US ties

PM Modi, Joe Biden To Discuss Afghanistan, Terror, Says Foreign Secretary

Prime Minister Modi will depart for the US on Wednesday morning. File

New Delhi:

During his upcoming US visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden will discuss the current regional security situation following the recent developments in Afghanistan in a bilateral meeting on September 24, Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla said on Tuesday, adding that the two leaders would discuss the need to "stem radicalism, extremism, cross-border terrorism and dismantling of global terrorist network".

In a special press briefing, Mr Shringla said Prime Minister Modi and Mr Biden will review "robust and multifaceted" India-US bilateral ties and will hold a discussion to bolster bilateral trade and investment ties.

Prime Minister Modi will depart for his much-anticipated visit on Wednesday morning, during which he will hold several bilateral meetings besides attending the Quad leaders summit and addressing the United Nations General Assembly debate.

"At their bilateral meeting on 24, President Biden and the Prime Minister will review robust and multifaceted India-US bilateral relationship. They will also discuss how strategic global partnership can be enriched," he said.

"The two leaders are expected to discuss how to bolster bilateral trade and investment ties, strengthen security collaboration, boost the strategic clean energy partnership, explore new avenues in emerging technologies through R&D innovation and industry linkages," Mr Shringla added.

He informed that this will be the Prime Minister's first visit abroad beyond the neighbourhood since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior officials, including Mr Shringla.

"The main elements of the programme are bilateral meetings with US leaderships, participation at Quad leaders summit and address at the UN General Assembly," the foreign secretary said.

During his bilateral meeting, the two leaders will also discuss the reform of the multilateral system, including the UN Security Council.

"It is expected that Prime Minister Modi will highlight the importance of people to people ties between the two nations and the potential of enhancing the ties further especially through higher education linkages and mobility," he said.

"The bilateral meeting will also feature the current regional security situation following the recent development in Afghanistan, our stakes as a neighbour and the long-standing and preferred development partner of the people of Afghanistan. In this context, he would undoubtedly discuss the need to stem radicalism, extremism, cross-border terrorism and dismantling of the global terrorist network," Mr Shringla added.

.