In the aftermath of the high-level bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, a noteworthy query arose concerning the alleged “bulldozing of slums in Delhi in preparation for the G20 Summit.” The White House, during an audio briefing, responded by emphasizing the paramount importance of “democratic governance” as a fundamental pillar of the US-India bilateral relationship.
Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer articulated, “The state of democratic governance, both globally and within our respective nations, forms a fundamental cornerstone of the US-India bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Modi and President Biden have underscored this, signifying that such concerns feature prominently in all their discussions.”
The preceding days had witnessed reports of slum demolitions and concealments by the municipal corporation in Delhi, purportedly aimed at enhancing the city’s aesthetics ahead of the G20 Summit. Nevertheless, the Indian government has maintained that only “illegitimate” structures faced demolition.
President Biden’s arrival in Delhi, in preparation for the G20 Summit, paved the way for his meeting with Prime Minister Modi at the latter’s residence for pivotal bilateral deliberations.
Sources from the US side indicated that the relationship between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi exuded “undeniable warmth and confidence.” This warmth was underscored by President Biden’s unwavering emphasis on the vitality of democratic health.
The discussions between the two leaders spanned various high-tech domains, including space and microchips, illustrating the multifaceted nature of their dialogue.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi extended warm greetings to world leaders at the Bharat Mandapam for the G20 Summit, marking a historic moment as India hosts the event for the first time in South Asia, while also presiding over the G20 presidency.
