Biden: Discussed rights, free press with Modi

NT Correspondent

Vietnam: Following the conclusion of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, United States President Joe Biden, on Sunday, emphasized the importance of respecting human rights and upholding a free press during his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said reports.

Biden delivered these comments during his visit to Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, on Sunday evening.

The President of the United States stated that he and Prime Minister Modi engaged in substantive discussions regarding the enhancement of the partnership between their two nations.

“And, as I always do, I raised the important [subject] of respecting human rights and the vital role that civil society and a free press have in building a strong and prosperous country with Mr. Modi,” he said.

Biden described the proposed India-Middle EastEurope Economic Corridor a groundbreaking new partnership that will “open up untold opportunities for transformative economic investment...”.

Access to the media has been a matter of contention in recent meetings of Biden and Modi. Criticising Modi for not allowing press access to him and Biden, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said on Monday that it had no impact on the US president.

“Mr Biden is saying the same things in Vietnam which he said to Mr Modi’s face in India – on respecting human rights, the role of civil society and free press,” Ramesh wrote in a tweet.