Joe Biden, India PM Narendra Modi, to meet virtually to discuss bilateral cooperation

US President Joe Biden is set to speak again with his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week. Biden and Modi will be having a virtual meeting to discuss key issues, with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine likely on the agenda.

Biden and Modi are set to meet with each other virtually on Monday, and a release from Modi’s office said that both leaders are expected to discuss relations and cooperation between the two countries. The situation in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region is also said to be on the agenda for Biden and Modi, according to a media release.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine will most likely be touched on during Biden’s meeting with Modi as Russia continues to wage war against Ukraine.

At the same time, Biden’s Deputy National Security Adviser for International Economics Daleep Singh drew controversy for reportedly warning India against Russian oil imports. The White House later clarified that Singh engaged in constructive dialogue during his trip and his remarks should not be perceived as a warning.

Biden and Modi are also expected to discuss the ongoing development of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and deliver on infrastructure, according to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki regarding the upcoming virtual meeting. The last time Biden spoke with Modi was during a meeting of the Quad leaders back in March.

Washington has expressed concern with India’s stance regarding the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told reporters in Washington late in March following the visit of Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov with reports regarding India’s possible consideration of Lavrov’s offer circulated, that it “is time to stand on the right side of history, and to stand with the United States and several other countries” in support of Ukraine rather than “funding and fueling” the war waged by dictator Vladimir Putin.

In other related news, the recent surge of COVID-19 cases among top figures in Washington DC that came close to Biden underlines the new reality that would involve decisions regarding individual risk from Covid, according to Biden’s chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” Dr. Fauci said the COVID-19 protocols around Biden are “pretty strong,” following the slew of COVID-19 positive cases that came from the Gridiron Dinner in DC.