Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by telephone with U.S. President-elect Joe Biden to congratulate him on his election win, which he said reflected the strength of U.S. democracy, and promised to strengthen strategic relations.
Soon after US TV networks predicted him to be the winner of the November 3 election, Modi initially sent his congratulations to Biden in a social media post, even though US President Donald Trump declined to admit defeat.
Congratulations @JoeBiden on your spectacular victory! As the VP, your contribution to strengthening Indo-US relations was critical and invaluable. I look forward to working closely together once again to take India-US relations to greater heights. pic.twitter.com/yAOCEcs9bN
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2020
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Modi followed it up with a phone call to congratulate Biden and reaffirm his adherence to a strategic alliance between the two major democracies, Modi said late on Twitter on Tuesday.
Spoke to US President-elect @JoeBiden on phone to congratulate him. We reiterated our firm commitment to the Indo-US strategic partnership and discussed our shared priorities and concerns – Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2020
The Indian Foreign Ministry said, “Prime Minister Modi warmly congratulated US President-elect Biden on his victory, describing it as a testament to the power and endurance of democratic norms in the United States.”
Modi has formed close relations with Trump. During a visit to India by Trump, the two leaders held a joint rally in the US city of Houston last year and again in Modi’s home state of Gujarat this year.
Critics of Modi said the prime minister had come dangerously close to supporting the candidacy of Trump, which they said could harm the prospects of India under a Democratic administration.
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During Trump’s presidency, India and the United States drew closer as both countries sought to fight China’s expanding military and economic presence in the region.
Modi also extended his best wishes during the telephone call to US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, the daughter of an Indian immigrant whose election in India was cheered on as the second highest public office in the United States.
I also conveyed warm congratulations for VP-elect @KamalaHarris. Her success is a matter of great pride and inspiration for members of the vibrant Indian-American community, who are a tremendous source of strength for Indo-US relations.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2020
The two leaders have addressed their goals, including combating the latest coronavirus pandemic, promoting access to affordable vaccines and resolving climate change, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
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