PM Modi to host dinner for US President Biden this evening, range of issues on table

Sources said while the two leaders will discuss bilateral issues including nuclear energy, defence, visas, consulates, the Russia-Ukraine war — and the polarisation over it within the G20 — is expected to figure prominently in the discussions.

Much will depend on the flexibility shown by the US for a joint communique at the Summit, with the consensus of all members. The US-led G7 grouping and the Russia-China bloc have been at loggerheads over the Ukraine conflict.

Biden is scheduled to reach New Delhi Friday evening and he will leave for Vietnam Sunday afternoon at the end of the Summit.

Ahead of Biden’s visit, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “We commend Prime Minister Modi for his leadership of the G20 this year and we are committed to helping ensure that India has a successful G20 host as they host (the Summit) this year.”

“So, that’s going to continue to be our commitment. During Prime Minister Modi’s visit here in June, the President and the Prime Minister shared their determination to deliver on shared priorities at the Summit,” she said.

Jean-Pierre said President Biden is “very much looking forward to continuing that work with the Prime Minister and other leaders later this week as we head out tomorrow.”

Modi is also likely to hold separate bilateral meetings Friday with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth.