
WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed on Monday to strengthen cooperation among the two countries as well as Japan and Australia.
The “Quad” framework is aimed at reinforcing ties among the four countries, which share the same values such as democracy, in order to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
In telephone talks, Biden and Modi agreed to continue “close cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific,” including support for freedom of navigation and territorial integrity, according to the White House.
They also confirmed collaboration in dealing with the novel coronavirus pandemic, climate change and global terrorism.
The Biden administration is considering holding the first Quad summit via videoconference, according to Japanese government officials.
JIJI Press