International Desk

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Joe Biden over the phone. During the conversation, they exchanged views on various regional and global issues.

“The two leaders expressed their shared concern over the situation in Bangladesh and emphasised the restoration of law and order and ensuring the safety of minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh,” read a statement issued by the Indian Prime Minister’s Office on Monday (26 August).

The two leaders also reiterated their commitment to further strengthen the cooperation in multilateral fora, including the Quad and they agreed to remain in touch, according to the readout.

This was the first time Modi and Biden spoke to each other on the issue of Bangladesh since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister and her escape to India on 5 August in the face of weeks of street protests by students.

Modi also briefed Biden on his recent visit to Ukraine and reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy and expressed full support for the early return of peace and stability.

Indian PMO claimed that Modi discussed the current situation in Bangladesh with Biden during the phone call. However, a statement issued by the White House on Tuesday (27 August) regarding the conversation between Biden and Modi did not mention the Bangladesh issue.

The White House statement read that Biden discussed Ukraine and other issues with Modi. There was no mention of whether the two leaders talked about the Bangladesh issue.

The statement also read President Biden commended Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector.

The Leaders affirmed their continued support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law, on the basis of the UN Charter. The Leaders also emphasised their continued commitment to work together, including through regional groups like the Quad, to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.