Days after his return fromUkraine, PM NarendraModibriefed US President JoeBidenabout his landmark visit to Kyiv, reiterating Indiaâs âconsistentâ position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy and expressing full support for early return of peace and stability. During the conversation initiated by Biden, the leaders also shared concern over the situation in Bangladesh and emphasised restoration of law and order, along with the need to ensure safety andsecurityof the minorities, particularlyHindus, according to an Indian readout.Top Picks For YouPM Modi speaks to US president Joe Biden, discusses recent visit to war-torn Ukraine'India was never neutral ...': Key takeaways from PM Modi's Ukraine visitThe conversation took place ahead of a possible bilateral meeting between the leaders, and a proposed Quad summit, next month in New York on the sidelines of the upcoming UNGA session. Modi and Biden also committed to strengthening Quad cooperation.The rare mention of security for Hindus in Bangladesh in a conversation with a foreign leader is in line with Indiaâs stated priority of ensuring their safety in the crisis-ridden country. In his congratulatory message on X to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Modi had called for protection of the Hindu community. However, Yunus later told him a phone conversation that reports of attacks on minorities are exaggerated.âWe had a detailed exchange of views on various regional and global issues, including the situation in Ukraine. I reiterated Indiaâs full support for early return of peace and stability. We also discussed the situation in Bangladesh and stressed on the need for early restoration of normalcy, and ensuring the safety and security of minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh,â said Modi in a post on X.The talks on the Ukraine issue are also significant as Modiâs visit to Kyiv followed an outrage in the Western world, led by the US, over the timing of the visit. The US was upset that it was timed with the NATO summit in Washington. That Modi chose Russia for his first bilateral visit in his third term, and a Russian attack on a children hospital the day Modi landed in Moscow, only exacerbated this sentiment. There was no dramatic shift in Indiaâs position though as Modi expressed solidarity with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy but also told him he needed to talk to Russia for early return of peace. India maintains itâs important to involve Russia for enduring peace. White House has described Modiâs visit as âpotentially helpfulâ.âPM conveyed his appreciation for President Bidenâs deep commitment the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which is based on shared values of democracy, rule of law and strong people-to-people ties,â said the Indian readout.Bangladesh On Boil: Hindus, Sheikh Hasina Supporters 'Hide' Amid Mob Attacks | WatchThe leaders , it added, reviewed the significant progress in bilateral relations and highlighted that India-US partnership is aimed at benefiting the people of both countries as well as the entire humanity.
