As Modi Dials Biden, An Oblique Message To China

In their first telephonic conversation since Joe Biden took over as U.S. President last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he discussed ‘regional developments and the wider geo-political context’. Joe Biden and I are committed to a rules-based international order, tweeted PM Modi.

The two leaders agreed to work together to fight the pandemic, renew their partnership on climate change, rebuild the global economy in a way that benefits the people of both countries and stand together against the ‘scourge of global terrorism’.

China wasn’t explicitly mentioned but there was a reference to continue the close cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, including support for freedom of navigation and territorial integrity. The White House statement also mentioned a “stronger regional architecture through the Quad”. And that ‘rule of law and the democratic process’ must be upheld in Burma.