Biden: U.S. and India in 'close consultation' on Ukraine situation

U.S. President Joe Biden said the United States and India are in "close consultation" in managing the "destabilizing" effects of the situation in Ukraine.

The president held a virtual meeting with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, and said the U.S. and India "share a strong and growing major defense partnership."

The meeting, according to a senior administration official, lasted for an hour. The two leaders had a "very candid" conversation to discuss "a range of bilateral and global issues."

At the beginning of the meeting, the president detailed the partnership between the U.S. and India, saying "at the root" of the relationship is "a deep connection between our people, ties of family, friendship, and of shared values."

The president also said the U.S. and India are "going to continue our close consultation on how to manage the destabilizing effects of this Russian special operation," while adding that their "continued dialogue are key" to ensuring the relationship between the two nations continues to grow "deeper and stronger."