New Delhi, Oct 6 (FN Bureau) In view of the fast-paced developments in South Asia, especially in Afghanistan, India and the U.S. will remain closely engaged both on the future of Afghanistan, and on how the two can maintain peace and stability in South Asia, and beyond, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Wednesday. In his remarks at the India-IDEAS Summit 2021, US-India Business Council, he said that the India-U.S. relationship “has a positive impact not only on our respective nations, but also in ensuring a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region and a peaceful and prosperous world”. “This was most evident during Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to the U.S. for his first formal interactions with President Biden and Vice President Harris; and the first in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit. The visit took place in the context of the evolving regional situation in Afghanistan; continuing Covid-19 pandemic and its widespread impact; and in the run-up to the G20 and COP26 Summits later this year.”
He said the highlight of the PM’s successful visit to the US “was his excellent meeting with President Biden, where they reviewed the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and several contemporary regional and global issues.” The Prime Minister’s meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris was substantive – with focus on emerging and critical technologies, climate, space, COVID pandemic and the healthcare sector. “During these interactions, there was a keen desire to build on the shared democratic values and increase our collaboration on regional and global issues,” he added.
He said the US Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman’s visit has given an excellent opportunity to review the outcomes of PM’s visit to the US – and the road ahead. “On the bilateral front: Defence Policy Group, Economic and Financial Partnership dialogue, Trade Policy Forum, dialogues on counter-terrorism and designations and the 2+2 Ministerial which will take place soon – and will take forward the vision of Prime Minister Modi and President Biden for the India-US relations,” he said. He said that in the post pandemic period, as India and the U.S. seek to maintain healthy rates of growth – “we must work together to enhance our trade and investment and contribute to quick global economic recovery through supply chain resilience and diversity; tapping emerging technologies; working towards global health security; and facilitating clean and green technologies and climate finance for developing and vulnerable countries”. Referring to the Quad Leaders’ Summit hosted by President Biden, he said at the Summit, Prime Minister Modi announced the resumption of export of vaccines by India.
“Under the Quad Vaccine Initiative India would make available the Janssen vaccine, manufactured in India by Biological-E, to the Indo-Pacific region.” “In the area of climate action, Quad announced a green shipping network and a Clean-Hydrogen Partnership. Our PM proposed a Global Green Hydrogen Alliance.” “The ‘Quad Principles on Technology Design, Development, Governance, and Use’ issued at the summit reflects a shared understanding on responsible, open, high-standards innovation, to guide efforts in region.” “Our PM also proposed common international travel protocols to enable seamless mobility, which is an essential element of global economic recovery.” The Quad Summit consolidated our joint efforts and established new areas of cooperation that bolster the positive and constructive agenda of the Quad, he added.