UPDATE - India's Modi, US' Biden discuss regional issues

ADDS WHITE HOUSE READOUT OF CALL

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI, India (AA) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden on Monday spoke to each other about regional issues and priorities of both countries.

Modi first announced the call, saying on Twitter the conversation centered on "regional issues and our shared priorities."

"We also agreed to further our co-operation against climate change," Modi said.

The White House separately said the leaders agreed to "renew their partnership on climate change, rebuild the global economy in a way that benefits the people of both countries, and stand together against the scourge of global terrorism."

"The leaders agreed to continuing close cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, including support for freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and a stronger regional architecture through the Quad," the White House said in a statement, referring to an informal strategic forum involving the US, India, Japan, and Australia.

Biden and Modi "further resolved that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld in Burma," the White House added, using its preferred name for Myanmar, which last week saw a military coup.

In another tweet, Modi said he and Biden are "committed to a rules-based international order."

"We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," said Modi.

*Michael Hernandez in Washington contributed to this report