During a bilateral meeting held on Thursday, US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions addressing the challenges posed by China to both their countries.
A top White House official confirmed the focus on China-related issues during the meeting, emphasizing the significance of these challenges for the two nations.
Biden and Modi Discuss China Challenges
John Kirby, the spokesman for the US National Security Council, acknowledged that the challenges presented by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) were indeed on the agenda.
When questioned about whether India served as a counterweight to China, Kirby clarified that the leaders had indeed raised concerns about China during their conversation.
He emphasized that Modi’s three-day state visit to the US was not about leveraging India’s position but rather about addressing mutual concerns.
Kirby highlighted the ongoing border dispute between India and China, noting that India faces its own challenges with China due to their proximity. He acknowledged that India, as a sovereign and independent state, manages its own foreign policy and faces the realities of living in a tough neighborhood.
Tensions along the 3,200km Chinese-Indian border have remained high since a deadly clash in 2020, which resulted in the loss of lives on both sides.
Over the past two years, more than 18 rounds of bilateral military and diplomatic talks have taken place.
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Indian Prime Minister Address China’s Impact on Their Nations
While Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar described the situation at the border as quite dangerous in March, a Chinese foreign ministry readout in April referred to the situation as generally stable.
In December, the US took a significant step by sharing advanced intelligence, including satellite imagery, with India ahead of a border clash between the troops of the two Asian countries.
This marked the first time such intelligence was shared with India.
The discussions between Biden and Modi underscore the shared concerns regarding China’s influence and its impact on their respective nations.
As both countries navigate the complexities of their relationship with China, addressing these challenges has become a priority in strengthening their strategic partnership and promoting regional stability.
The bilateral meeting between Biden and Modi serves as a testament to the growing cooperation between the United States and India as they address common challenges and work towards shared objectives in the Indo-Pacific region.
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