NEW DELHI: In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi who arrived in Philadelphia in the United States on September 21 for a three-day visit, met with US President Joe Biden on Saturday, marking what has been described as an emotional final official interaction between the two leaders. The meeting, held in Greenville, Delaware, aimed to reinforce the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership.

Biden posted on X, "The United States' partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history. Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different."

The warmth and the emotional bond between the two leaders could be seen as President Joe Biden welcomed PM Modi with a warm embrace and then led him by his hand into his three-bedroom family house in Wilmington and as a personal touch a row full of pumpkins was seen laid on the patio which heralded Halloween in the US.

After a round in the house, the two leaders had a bilateral meeting between the two leaders. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and India’s Ambassador to the U.S. Vinay Mohan Kwatra were present at the meeting from the Indian side.

During the close discussions, both leaders emphasized the importance of their nations' collaboration on various fronts, including economic ties, security, and climate change. Modi characterized the talks as "extremely fruitful," highlighting the shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations ahead of his attending the QUAD Leaders' Summit in Delaware and the Summit of the Future (SOTF) at the United Nations in New York.  

President Biden praised Modi's recent visit to Ukraine, commending his message of peace and stability in the region. This acknowledgement underscores the growing recognition of India's role on the global stage, particularly in addressing international conflicts.

The meeting also served as a platform for both leaders to reflect on the progress made in their partnership over the years. They discussed strategies to further deepen cooperation in technology, defence, and trade, aiming to create a more resilient and interconnected global economy.

As the two leaders concluded their discussions, the emotional tone of the meeting resonated with the shared vision for a prosperous future, reinforcing the notion that the India-US relationship is not just strategic but also deeply personal. This interaction sets a positive precedent for future engagements and highlights the enduring bond between the two nations.