Joe Biden and India’s Narendra Modi agree to strengthen Quad framework amid China’s rise
- On their first call, the leaders agreed that the democratic process must be upheld in Myanmar and said they would collaborate to tackle global challenges
- India enjoys broad support in the US but has come under growing criticism from lawmakers as Modi pursues his Hindu nationalist agenda
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“The leaders agreed to continuing close cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, including support for freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and a stronger regional architecture through the Quad,” the White House said in a press release issued after their phone call.
The affirmation may add momentum to the Quad grouping made up of the four major Indo-Pacific democracies. Biden’s National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has called it “a foundation upon which to build substantial American policy in the Indo-Pacific”.
The previous administration under President Donald Trump had highlighted the framework as having the capacity to “push back against the Chinese Communist Party”.
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The White House press release did not mention any specific discussion of China between Biden and Modi.
They agreed that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld in Myanmar after its military staged a coup earlier this month.
India has a close relationship with its neighbour, maintaining contact with its military even as Western nations shun it on human rights grounds.
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Modi tweeted that the two leaders are “committed to a rules-based international order”.
“We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” he said.
Biden’s telephone call marked a continuation of the upbeat tone of his predecessor Trump, who paid a state visit to India a year ago on his last foreign trip as his administration saw a partner in its tough stance on China.
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In New Delhi, the prime minister’s office said Modi welcomed Biden’s raising of climate ambitions and rejoining of the Paris accord, from which Trump withdrew. It said that Modi looked forward to taking part in a climate summit that Biden plans to call in April.
India is the third largest emitter of carbon dioxide responsible for climate change after China and the United States, and historically has argued that it is unfair for it to be held to the same rules as developed nations.
India enjoys broad support in the United States but has come under growing criticism from some lawmakers in Biden’s Democratic Party as Modi pursues his Hindu nationalist agenda, including revoking the statehood of Muslim-majority Kashmir.
Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse
