Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joseph Biden will hold a virtual meeting prior to the “2+2” Foreign and Defence ministerial meeting in Washington on Monday, to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the U.S. White House announced on Sunday. However, while the White House said President Biden would speak about “the consequences of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine”,” the MEA didn’t refer directly to discussions about the conflict, where the U.S. and India have differences in their positions.
“The two leaders will review ongoing bilateral cooperation and exchange views on recent developments in south Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual interest,” the MEA statement said. Dramatic developments have been seen in south Asia, both in Pakistan, where Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government was ousted over the weekend, and Sri Lanka, where massive protests over the economy are challenging the Rajapaksa government.
The White House listed amongst subjects for discussion cooperation on ending the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, global economy, and “upholding a free, open, rules-based international order to bolster security, democracy, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific”, as well as developing the “Indo-Pacific Economic Framework” on infrastructure expected to be announced during the 2+2 meeting.
