NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden agreed in a bilateral meeting to bolster the global and strategic partnership between India and the United States. Prime Minister Modi also held bilateral talks with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnath.

Issues such as the nuclear deal related to small modular nuclear reactors, an academic program for Indian students, and progress on drone and jet engine defense deals signed during Modi's US visit were discussed with Biden. Apart from presiding over key sessions of the G20 summit, Modi is also holding bilateral talks with 15 heads of state.

The Prime Minister's Office said that he had a fruitful discussion with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the diversification of India-Bangladesh bilateral cooperation. Connectivity, culture, and human camaraderie across borders were discussed. Issues such as the joint inauguration of the railway line through Tripura and the second unit of the Rampal power plant, and the Rupay-Taka card system for Indians in Bangladesh to make payments in the local currency instead of dollars, were also discussed. Hasina came to the summit with her daughter Saima Wazed.

In his interaction with Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnath, Prime Minister Modi pointed out that the meeting is significant as India-Mauritius is marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. Modi will meet the heads of state of the UK, Japan, Germany, and Italy on Saturday. There will also be a discussion over lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron tomorrow afternoon.