United States President Joe Biden said on Monday that the US and India will "continue our close consultation" on how to manage the "destabilizing effects" of the Russian war in Ukraine as he held a virtual meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further deepen ties between the two countries. Stating that India and the US share a strong and growing major defense partnership, Biden hailed India's "humanitarian support" towards the people of war-ravaged Ukraine. "I'm looking forward to our discussions today. Prime Minister (Modi), our continued consultation and dialogue are key to ensuring the US and India relationship continues to go deeper and stronger...," Biden said in his opening remarks. The meeting comes at a time when the crisis in Ukraine has worsened and a White House statement on Sunday said that President Biden would continue "our close consultations on the consequences of Russia's brutal war against Ukraine and mitigating its destabilizing impact on global food supply and commodity markets." Biden. At the outset, also said, "I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak to you virtually today and with two of your ministers and your ambassador. We take same concerns about the global challenges we faced during COVID-19, advancing health securities and tracking economic crisis." Prime Minister Modi too reciprocated stating as world's two largest and oldest democracies, the two countries are natural partners. Expressing concerns about the situation in Ukraine, Modi said, "Our talks today are taking place at a time when situation in Ukraine remains very worrying," He added that India hopes that ongoing talks between Russia and Ukraine will pave way for peace. "I have spoken with presidents of both Ukraine and Russia over telephone, several times. I not only appealed to them for peace but also suggested President Putin to hold direct talks with the Ukrainian President. Detailed discussions were held over Ukraine, in our Parliament," Modi said. He also termed the recent reports of killing of innocent civilians in Bucha "very worrying." Modi added, "We immediately condemned it and demanded fair investigation It is the first of its kind interaction between the two leaders that coincides with the maiden India-US 2+2 dialogue under the Biden administration. — Agencies
