New Delhi: The fast unfolding situation in Afghanistan will figure prominently at the bilateral parleys between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 24 in Washington.
PM Modi is set to visit the United States this week for a series of important diplomatic engagements and also address the 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on September 25 in New York. The visit is likely to commence on September 22 will continue till September 27.
The White House said in an announcement that Prime Minister Modi and US President Joe Biden would participate at a bilateral meeting on Friday, September 24, in Washington. India has been making a case of the need to 'understand' Pakistan's double standards vis-à-vis the US-led global war against terrorism. Lately, even US lawmakers have appreciated the gravity of the issue, and at least nine of them from both Democratic and Republican parties have grilled US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on 'reassessing' US policy towards Islamabad.
The Prime Minister is likely to attend the important Quad Summit on September 24 in Washington. The First Quad Summit meet in person will be hosted by US President Joe Biden and will also be attended by two Prime Ministers of Australia and Japan – Scott Morrison and Yoshihide Suga. The Quad will review progress made since their first virtual Summit on March 12, 2021, and discuss regional issues of shared interest.
"As part of their ongoing efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, they will review the Quad Vaccine initiative, which was announced in March this year. They will also exchange views on contemporary global issues such as critical and emerging technologies, connectivity and infrastructure, cyber security, maritime security, humanitarian assistance / disaster relief, climate change and education," an MEA statement said.
The Summit would provide a valuable opportunity for dialogue and interactions among the Leaders, anchored in their shared vision of ensuring a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
The theme for this year's General Debate at UNGA is 'Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations'.
Mr Modi is also likely to meet with Apple chief Tim Cook and US Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday, September 23.
