Biden and Modi Meet Privately Ahead of G20 Summit

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Facts

  • US Pres. Joe Biden traveled to the residence of Indian PM Narendra Modi on Friday shortly after arriving in New Delhi for the G20 summit this weekend, where the two leaders discussed joint plans on technology, infrastructure, and strengthening democracy.1
  • In a joint statement, the leaders announced ambitious plans regarding semiconductors, higher education, reducing carbon emissions, 5G and 6G technology, and shipping lane access in the Indo-Pacific.2
  • The leaders praised the progress their countries have made in advancing programs they had discussed when Modi visited the US this June, including the Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology. They also noted the deepening cooperation in the space industry, as Biden congratulated India for reaching the moon.3
  • The US press corps was in a van outside of the two leaders’ meeting, and Modi’s office released a series of official photographs from the meeting along with the joint statement.1
  • Following the meeting, a major infrastructure and communications project to connect India with the Middle East and Europe was announced on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Saturday.4

Sources: 1Reuters, 2CNBC, 3Ndtv.com and 4Al Jazeera.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Hindustan times. Modi is being unusually secretive about his private meeting with Biden, and his decision to not allow American reporters to cover their discussion raises questions. While Modi may tell the US that he is focused on democracy, his actions show a clear disregard for one of democracy’s most important elements.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Opindia. Modi’s diplomatic skills and dedication are lifting India to global prominence, and his hosting of the G20 summit shows just how far the country has come under his administration. He has a unique ability to communicate with different parties and maintain strong relationships. India has announced many great plans at the G20 summit, and this is only the start of a great national rejuvenation.