News Analysis India

Tag: Kamala Harris

  • In first meet with PM Modi, US Vice President Kamala Harris talks of Pakistan’s role in terrorism

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  US Vice President Kamala Harris, in her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referred to Pakistan’s role in terrorism and urged Islamabad to act on terror groups so that India’s and America’s security is not impacted.

    “When the issue of terrorism came up, the Vice President suo motu referred Pakistan’s role in that regard. She asked Pakistan to take action so that this will not impact US security and that of India. She agreed with the Prime Minister’s briefing on the fact of cross-border terrorism and the fact that India has been a victim of terrorism for several decades now and on the need to rein in, and closely monitor Pakistan’s support for such terrorist groups,” Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said in a press briefing after the meeting.

    ALSO READ | In her first meeting with PM Modi, US Vice President Harris talks about defending democracies

    During the meeting, Modi and Harris decided to boost bilateral ties and discussed various issues of regional and global importance, including Afghanistan and Indo-Pacific. In a joint press interaction with Modi, Harris said it was important that India and the US protect democracies in the best interest of their people.

    “As democracies around the world are under threat, it is imperative that we defend democratic principles and institutions within our respective countries and around the world. And that we maintain what we must do to strengthen democracies at home and it is incumbent on our nations to of course protect democracies in the best interests of people of our countries,” she said.

    ALSO READ | Afghanistan crisis, COVID and climate focus of Modi-Biden talks, Quad summit

    Earlier on Thursday, the PM held a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison where the leaders discussed defence, energy and other issues. “They discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at deepening economic and people-to-people linkages between India and Australia,” the PMO tweeted.

    According to a statement by the MEA, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the ongoing negotiations on a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. They welcomed former Australian PM Tony Abbott’s visit to India by as Special Trade Envoy and noted the commitment of both sides to achieve an early harvest announcement on an interim agreement by December.

  • PM Modi praises Kamala Harris as ‘source of inspiration’, invites her to India

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised US Vice President Kamala Harris as a “source of inspiration” while extending an invitation to her to visit India.

    PM Modi met US Vice President Kamala Harris here, a day ahead of his highly anticipated bilateral meet with US President Joe Biden.

    “Your election as Vice President of USA has been an important and historic event. You are a source of inspiration for many across the world. I am confident that under President Biden and your leadership our bilateral relations will touch new heights,” PM Modi said in a joint press conference with Harris after the two leaders met.

    “Continuing on this journey of victory, Indians would also want you to continue that in India and therefore they are waiting to welcome you. I extend you an invitation to visit India,” he added.

    This was PM Modi’s first in-person meeting with Harris after she made history by becoming the first Indian-origin person to become the Vice President of America.

    PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the US for extending a helping hand when the country was hit by the second wave of COVID-19 earlier this year.

    “I extend my gratitude for the warm welcome that you have extended to me and my delegation. Some months ago, we had the opportunity to talk to each other over the phone. We had a detailed discussion at that time. The way you spoke to me so warmly and naturally. I will always remember that,” PM Modi said.

    “It was a very difficult time when India was hit by the second wave of COVID-19. The way you expressed concern and extended a helping hand, I express my gratitude to you. I will like to thank you,” he added.

    Highlighting that India and America are “natural partners”, PM Modi said India and the US have similar values, geopolitical interests, and our coordination and cooperation is also increasing.

    “The vibrant and strong people-to-people connections between India and the US is a bridge between our two countries, their contributions are praiseworthy,” he added.

    Earlier in June this year, PM Modi held a telephonic conversation with Harris and discussed the US’ strategy for global vaccine sharing and the Quad vaccine initiative to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In a statement before leaving for the US, the Prime Minister had said he is looking forward to meeting Vice President Kamala Harris to explore opportunities for cooperation between our two nations particularly in the area of science and technology.

    Earlier in the day, PM Modi met US Vice President Kamala Harris, Australian PM Scott Morrison and held meetings with five global CEOs for potential investment in India. These talks were part of series of meetings that Prime Minister Modi undertook with select heads of corporates that have the potential to invest significantly in India.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Washington for his much-touted US visit. He had earlier addressed the Global COVID-19 Summit called by US President Biden.

    Biden is scheduled to host PM Modi at the White House on September 24. This is going to be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders after Biden took over as the US President on January 20.

    Biden will host the first-ever in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit, which will be joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

    PM Modi’s US visit will conclude on September 25 with an address at the United Nations General Assembly focusing on the pressing global challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, the need to combat terrorism, climate change and other important issues.

    This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit abroad beyond the neighbourhood since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. PM Modi is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and senior officials.

    The high-level session of the UNGA began on Tuesday in New York. The theme for this year’s General Debate is ‘Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations’.

  • PM Modi, Kamala Harris exchange views on global, regional developments: MEA

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday (local time) exchanged views on recent global and regional developments.

    Taking to Twitter, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the two leaders discussed India-US vibrant bilateral partnership, covering emerging and critical technologies, healthcare, education and people-to-people linkages.

    “Strong commitment to further deepen bilateral relations! PM @narendramodi & @VPKamala Harris exchanged views on recent global and regional developments. Discussed our vibrant bilateral partnership, covering emerging & critical technologies, healthcare, education & P2P linkages,” Bagchi tweeted.

    Prime Minister Modi and Harris held delegation-level talks at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, near the premises of the White House here on Thursday.

    PM Modi was accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Indian Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Rudra Gaurav Shresth, Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister and Vivek Kumar, Private Secretary to the Prime Minister.

    Prime Minister’s Office shared a glimpse from the high-level meeting.

    Harris-led US delegation includes Nancy McEldowney, Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor to the Vice President, Tina Flournoy, Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the Vice President, Philip Gordon, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor to the Vice President, Sumona Guha, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, National Security Council, Don Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and David Richelsoph, Special Advisor to the Vice President for South Asia.

    This was PM Modi’s first in-person meeting with Harris after she made history by becoming the first Indian-origin person to become the Vice President of America.

    At the start of his meeting with Harris, PM Modi highlighted that India and America are “natural partners” and said India and the US have similar values, geopolitical interests, and our coordination and cooperation is also increasing.

    “The vibrant and strong people-to-people connections between India and the US is a bridge between our two countries, their contributions are praiseworthy,” he added.

  • PM Modi, Kamala Harris hold delegation-level talks

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice-President Kamala Harris held delegation-level talks at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, near the premises of the White House here on Thursday.

    PM Modi was accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Indian Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Rudra Gaurav Shresth, Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister and Vivek Kumar, Private Secretary to the Prime Minister.

    Prime Minister’s Office shared a glimpse from the high-level meeting.

    Harris-led US delegation includes Nancy McEldowney, Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor to the Vice President, Tina Flournoy, Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the Vice President, Philip Gordon, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor to the Vice President, Sumona Guha, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, National Security Council, Don Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and David Richelsoph, Special Advisor to the Vice President for South Asia.

    This was PM Modi’s first in-person meeting with Harris after she made history by becoming the first Indian-origin person to become the Vice President of America.

    At the start of his meeting with Harris, PM Modi highlighted that India and America are “natural partners” and said India and the US have similar values, geopolitical interests, and our coordination and cooperation is also increasing.

    “The vibrant and strong people-to-people connections between India and the US is a bridge between our two countries, their contributions are praiseworthy,” he added.

    Earlier in June this year, PM Modi held a telephonic conversation with Harris and discussed the US’ strategy for global vaccine sharing and the Quad vaccine initiative to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In a statement before leaving for the US, the Prime Minister had said he is looking forward to meeting Vice President Kamala Harris to explore opportunities for cooperation between our two nations particularly in the area of science and technology.

    Earlier in the day, PM Modi met US Vice President Kamala Harris, Australian PM Scott Morrison and held meetings with five global CEOs for potential investment in India. These talks were part of series of meetings that Prime Minister Modi undertook with select heads of corporates that have the potential to invest significantly in India.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Washington for his much-touted US visit. He had earlier addressed the Global COVID-19 Summit called by US President Biden.

    Biden is scheduled to host PM Modi at the White House on September 24. This is going to be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders after Biden took over as the US President on January 20.

    Biden will host the first-ever in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit, which will be joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

    PM Modi’s US visit will conclude on September 25 with an address at the United Nations General Assembly focusing on the pressing global challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, the need to combat terrorism, climate change and other important issues.

    This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit abroad beyond the neighbourhood since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. PM Modi is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and senior officials.

    The high-level session of the UNGA began on Tuesday in New York. The theme for this year’s General Debate is ‘Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations’.

  • PM Narendra Modi, US Vice President Kamala Harris to be invited for November tech summit

    By PTI
    BENGALURU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice-President Kamala Harris will be invited to the Karnataka government’s flagship annual event Bengaluru Tech Summit-2021 (BTS-2021) from November 17-19.

    Announcing this on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan said the summit would be held in hybrid format.

    Narayan, who also holds the IT/Bt and S&T portfolio, convened a preparatory meeting with officials of the Department of Electronics, IT/Bt and S&T, and Chairpersons of the Vision groups today.

    Kris Gopalakrishna, Chairperson, State Vision Group for I-T, Dr Kiran Majumdar Shaw, Chairperson, State Vision Group for BT, Prashanth Prakash, Chairperson of State Vision Group for Start-ups, virtually attended the meeting.

    “Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be invited to inaugurate the conclave and US Vice-President Kamala Harris will be invited to participate in the event,” Narayan said.

    In view of the possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, the conclave Driving the Next would be organised in the hybrid format comprising more of virtual and a part of the physical model, the Deputy Chief Minister was quoted as saying by his office in a release.

    Last year, the event held in virtual mode for the first time evoked an overwhelming response from experts and delegates, and more than 25 countries had participated.

    This is expected to further increase in the forthcoming event, he added.

    According to the release, the first day of the summit would be Thought Leadership Day (Hall of Fame), the second day would be ‘Technologies and Strategies Day (Hall of Techies) and the third StartUps Day (Hall of Future).

    Prior to these, Beyond Bengaluru events would be conducted in Mysuru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru during September and October.

    The dates would be decided upon shortly.

    Central Ministers Nirmala Sitaraman, Ravishankar Prasad, Harsha Vardhan and Nitin Gadkari, among others, would be invited to participate in the programmes, Narayan said.

    During the Beyond Bengaluru events, the reports pertaining to Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), Engineering R&D, and IESA (Indian Electronics and Semi-conductor Association) would be released, he said.

    To give prominence to academic participation in the events, it has been decided to involve Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) and Higher Education Council, the release said.

  • PM Modi speaks to US Vice President Kamala, appreciates efforts for Covid vaccine supply to India

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to the US Vice President Kamala Harris and expressed his appreciation for assurance of vaccine supplies to India as part of the US Strategy for Global Vaccine Sharing, under which India is expected to get the first batch of doses by the month-end.

    In a series of tweets, Modi said he also thanked Harris for all the support and solidarity from the US government, businesses and the Indian diaspora.

    “We also discussed ongoing efforts to further strengthen India-US vaccine cooperation & potential of our partnership to contribute to post-Covid global health, economic recovery,” he said.

    Spoke to @VP Kamala Harris a short while ago. I deeply appreciate the assurance of vaccine supplies to India as part of the US Strategy for Global Vaccine Sharing. I also thanked her for the all the support and solidarity from the US government, businesses and Indian diaspora.
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 3, 2021

    The US embassy also issued a statement from Symone Sanders, senior advisor and chief spokesperson for Harris on her calls with leaders of four countries, including Modi, on the global allocation plan for the supply of the COVID-19 vaccine doses to India and other countries by the month-end.

    In the four separate calls, she said that the US will begin sharing the first 25 million (2.5 crore) doses of COVID-19 vaccines to their respective countries and others, as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s framework for sharing at least 80 million (8 crore) vaccines globally by the end of June.

    She reiterated that the administration’s efforts are focused on achieving a broad global coverage, responding to surges and other urgent situations and public health needs, and helping as many countries as possible who requested vaccines.

    The four leaders thanked the vice president, and they agreed to continue working together to address COVID-19 and advance our mutual interests around the world, the US government statement said.

    Besides Modi, Harris spoke to President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico, President Alejandro Giammattei of Guatemala and Prime Minister Keith Rowley, Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the statement added.

    Officials here said that Modi and Harris discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen the health supply chain between the US and India, including in the area of vaccine manufacturing.

    They highlighted the potential of the India-US partnership as well as the QUAD vaccine initiative in addressing the long-term health impact of the pandemic.

    The prime minister also said he hopes to welcome Vice President Harris in India soon after normalisation of the global health situation.

  • Man arrested on weapon charge outside US VP Kamala Harris’ official residence

    By PTI
    WASHINGTON: A 31-year-old man has been arrested outside US Vice President Kamala Harris’ official residence in Washington, D.C. on weapons and ammunition charges, according to media reports.

    The arrest comes as the district is in a state of heightened security following the January 6 insurrection attempt at the US Capitol.

    Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, do not currently live at the Naval Observatory, as the official residence of the US Vice President is undergoing renovation.

    The couple is living at Blair House, near the White House.

    The Texas man was detained by US Secret Service on Wednesday following an intelligence bulletin, a spokesperson for Washington’s Metropolitan Police was quoted as saying by CNN.

    Police said the officers arrested and charged Paul Murray, of San Antonio, and that a rifle and ammunition were recovered from his vehicle, it said.

    A police report shows officers allege Murray was in possession of an “AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, 113 rounds of unregistered ammunition, and five 30 round magazines.”

    According to police, he’s been charged with several counts: carrying a dangerous weapon, carrying a rifle or shotgun outside of a business, possession of unregistered ammunition and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

    The US Secret Service told CNN in a statement that Uniformed Division officers detained the man before Metropolitan Police arrived on the scene.

    A Secret Service official said none of the agency’s protectees were at the residence at the time of the incident.

    Violent pro-Trump supporters, fuelled by the belief that President Biden and Harris had stolen the election from Donald Trump, stormed the Capitol on January 6, threatening lawmakers and law enforcement officers.

    Five people, including a police officer, were killed in the violence.

    Since the violent incidents, security and intelligence officials have often warned about the dangers of homegrown extremism in America.