Biden, Modi discuss rail deal, democracy as U.S. press sidelined

NEW DELHI, Sept 8 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke for nearly an hour on Friday about joint plans on technology, infrastructure and the importance of a healthy democracy, shortly after Biden arrived in New Delhi for a G20 summit over the weekend.

The two leaders pledged to cooperate on issues from democratic values and human rights to semiconductor supply chains and quantum computing, according to a joint statement.

"We're frankly thrilled to be here. It's great to see the Indians so appreciative that we've come," Kurt Campbell, the senior U.S. official for Indo-Pacific policy, told reporters after the discussions.

The leaders were working on a "major breakthrough" related to infrastructure and communications that would link India with the Middle East and Europe, that could be announced on Saturday, Campbell said.

The U.S., India, and Gulf countries have been talking about a sweeping new rail and ports network to link the regions, a counterpoint to China's 'Belt and Road' global infrastructure plans.

India and the U.S. will also cooperate in 2024 on the International Space Station, 5G and 6G technology and microchips, said Eileen Laubacher, U.S. National Security Council senior director for South Asia.

As Biden and Modi met at the Prime Minister's residence, the U.S. press corps...
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