The Biden-Modi relationship is built around mutual admiration of scrappy pasts and pragmatic needs

BY AAMER MADHANI and KRUTIKA PATHI
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have developed a relationship based on mutual respect of their scrappy backgrounds and a pragmatism about shared challenges. Biden hosts Modi for a state visit this week, looking to tighten his relationship with the leader of a nation of 1.4 billion that the U.S. administration sees as a pivotal force in Asia. Biden is the son of blue-collar Scranton, Pennsylvania. Modi rose from tea seller’s son. They have differences on Russia policy and India’s human rights record, but their relationship is crucial in the face of challenges posed by China, climate change and other issues. Biden’s national security adviser suggests the president will raise his concerns with Modi.