PM speaks with Joe Biden, both agree to advance Indo-US Strategic Partnership

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President-elect Joe Biden on telephone on Tuesday night and

congratulated him on his election, describing it as a testament to the strength and resilience of democratic traditions in the United States.

the External Affairs Ministry said on Wednesday.

In a separate message the Prime Minister congratulated US first female Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris and

said her election is great pride and an inspiration for Indian-American community in the US.

"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."

The Prime Minister and the US President-elect agreed to work closely to further advance the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic

Partnership built on shared values and common interests.

They also discussed their priorities including containing the Covid-19 pandemic, promoting access to affordable vaccines, tackling climate

change, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region.

The Prime Minister recalled his earlier interactions with Mr. Biden, including during his official visits to the United States in 2014 and in 2016.

Mr. Biden had chaired the Joint Session of the U.S. Congress that was addressed by the Prime Minister during his 2016 visit.

“The President-elect thanked the Prime Minister and expressed his desire to strengthen and expand the US-India

strategic partnership alongside the first Vice President of South Asian descent,” according to a statement released

by Mr Biden’s Presidential transition team after the call with Mr Modi..

“The President-elect noted that he looks forward to working closely with the Prime Minister on shared global challenges,

including containing COVID-19 and defending against future health crises, tackling the threat of climate change,

launching the global economic recovery, strengthening democracy at home and abroad, and maintaining a secure and

prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” Mr Biden’s team said.

Mr Biden also had calls with the leaders of Israel, Chile and South Africa on Tuesday.