The first conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden was on the lines of fighting terrorism, defeating the Covid-19 pandemic and rebuilding the global economy. The call to Modi, on Monday, was among the first by Biden after he assumed office to the leader of a country outside the tight network of neighbours and treaty allies.

The US Prez and Indian PM committed themselves to work closely on a range of issues, according to the White House. According to the statement issued by the White House, during their phone conversation, they pledged to "stand together against the scourge of global terrorism."

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The statement further added, "The leaders agreed to continuing close cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, including support for freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and a stronger regional architecture through the Quad" (the regional group of democracies, India, the US, Japan and Australia).

The statement also mentioned that Biden “underscored his desire to defend democratic institutions... noted that a shared commitment to democratic values is the bedrock for the U.S.-India relationship.”

"The leaders agreed to stay in close touch on a range of global challenges and look forward to what the United States and India will achieve together for their people and for their nations," the White House said.

In a Twitter trail, PM Modi said, "President @JoeBiden and I are committed to a rules-based international order. We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond."

The White House said that Modi and Biden agreed to work on rebuilding the post-coronavirus global economy "in a way that benefits the people of both countries."

Two days after a glacial lake burst, Modi and Biden have commisteed to, “renew their partnership on climate change," according to the White House.

In his call to Modi he has reaffirmed the importance of the Indo-Pacific region and the ties among the Quad, which was rekindled during Trump's presidency.

(With Inputs from IANS)