The relationship between the United States and India is "strong and getting stronger," the White House said, adding that President Joe Biden will look back at his term with pride for further deepening the partnership with India. The partnership has not only grown stronger but has also become more inclusive and broad-reaching.
"One word — actually, three words: strong and getting stronger," said White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby during a press briefing.
Kirby was responding to a question about the trajectory of India-US relations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Biden as Biden’s term as President nears its end.
Biden has significantly invested in strengthening the bilateral relationship with India, Kirby added. He emphasized that the President elevated the Quad group, comprising Australia, Japan, India, and the US, to the leader level, and also hosted PM Modi for an official state visit in June last year.
"Our strategic partnership has reached its highest level. We're developing a defense relationship that will enhance security not only for India but for the entire Indo-Pacific region," Kirby said.
He also highlighted Biden’s appreciation for Modi's unique perspective, saying, "Modi lives in the neighborhood, and as the leader of one of the world's most vibrant democracies, he understands the dynamics in the region."
Kirby noted that when Biden reflects on his term, he will take pride in making the India-US partnership more inclusive and broad, going beyond just a bilateral relationship to one that involves multiple areas of collaboration.
Biden hosted the Quad leaders — Prime Ministers Narendra Modi, Anthony Albanese of Australia, and Kishida Fumio of Japan — in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21 for the fourth Quad Leaders' Summit.
Kirby pointed out that India is a "full member" of the Indo-Pacific Quad and has become a real contributing partner. The cooperation goes beyond security, covering areas like economics, technology, energy, clean energy transition, and international investments.
On Tuesday, Biden delivered his final address as President at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), reflecting on his term as the US prepares for upcoming presidential elections on November 5. Americans will choose between Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate former President Donald Trump.
Biden, who announced earlier this summer that he would not seek re-election, reflected on his presidency, saying, "Being president has been the honor of my life. As much as I love this job, I love my country more. It’s time for the next generation of leadership to take my nation forward."
His announcement marks a historic moment, as Harris, the first woman of Indian and Black heritage, becomes the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.
Biden concluded his speech with a reminder to world leaders, "We are here to serve the people, not the other way around."
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