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Jean Chretien, who was Canada's Prime Minister from 1993 to 2003, joined a chorus of officials from the northern US neighbour who say Trump's remarks are no longer a joke and may undermine America's closest ally.

The warm personal camaraderie between the two leaders came through in the telephonic conversation as Trump said the "whole world loves Modi" and described India as a magnificent country and the prime minister as a magnificent man, they added.

According to a post on the team's website, Patel previously served as Regional Communications Director on the Biden-Harris Campaign.

The Russian president was one of the last remaining leaders of major world countries to have held back on congratulating Biden.

The report also said that the US policy towards China is unlikely to change dramatically in the early stages of the Biden administration.

Biden is expected to make the announcement in coming days, along with choices for other key health posts, including head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Biden, who is due to take office on January 20, said he will make sure that the vaccine is both free and available.

In the virtual meeting with national security and climate policy staff on Monday, Biden reiterated his intention to ensure climate change is a core national security priority.

The new hires: Elizabeth E. Alexander, Communications Director for the First Lady, Kate Bedingfield, White House Communications Director, Ashley Etienne, Communications Director for the Vice President

Biden, 78, spent most of Sunday in doctor offices - first at Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists in Newark, Delaware and subsequently at another location for a CT scan.

This was the first interaction between the two leaders after Democrat Biden defeated incumbent president Donald Trump in the US presidential election