President Joe Biden signaled he would seek to deepen the close US relationship with India in his first talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he added climate change and "democratic" values to the agenda. 

In the first telephonic conversation on Monday between Biden and Modi since the former assumed office, the two leaders "resolved that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld in Burma," according to a White House read-out.

India has a close relationship with its neighbor, also known as Myanmar, maintaining contact with its military even as Western nations shun it on human rights grounds.

Biden and Modi also committed to "work closely together to win the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, 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," White House added.

Modi "warmly congratulated" Biden, conveyed best wishes for his tenure, and looked forward to working closely with him to further elevate the India-US strategic partnership," said a statement issued by the Indian PMO.

"They noted that the India-US partnership is firmly anchored in a shared commitment to democratic values and common strategic interests. They reiterated the importance of working with like-minded countries to ensure a rules-based international order and a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region," it added. Modi "welcomed President Biden's decision to re-commit to the Paris Agreement."

Modi also took the opportunity to invite Joe Biden and Jill Biden to visit India at their earliest convenience.