Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a three-day visit to the United States, where he will participate in the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit, hosted by President Joe Biden on September 21. The summit will take place in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden’s hometown, and will bring together the leaders of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.
In a tweet before his departure, Prime Minister Modi expressed anticipation for the summit, stating, “I look forward to joining my colleagues President Biden, Prime Minister Albanese, and Prime Minister Kishida for the Quad Summit. The forum has emerged as a key group of like-minded countries working for peace, progress, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. My meeting with President Biden will provide an opportunity to review and identify new pathways to further deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership for the benefit of our people and the global good.”
The Quad, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, includes India, the US, Japan, and Australia, and has become a critical platform for addressing strategic and security issues in the Indo-Pacific.
In addition to the summit, Prime Minister Modi will engage with the Indian diaspora and meet with prominent American business leaders, as he noted, “I am eagerly looking forward to engaging with the Indian diaspora and important American business leaders, who are key stakeholders and provide vibrancy to the unique partnership between the largest and oldest democracies of the world.”
The Quad Summit is set to focus on various pressing global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, maritime security, emerging technologies, and a collaborative initiative aimed at combating cancer. India is also slated to host the next Quad Summit.
During his visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders to discuss mutual interests. On September 23, he will address the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, attended by global leaders. The Prime Minister will also interact with the Indian community in New York on September 22, and meet with the CEOs of leading US-based companies to enhance collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology.
Ahead of the Quad Leaders’ Summit, the White House announced the establishment of bipartisan House and Senate Quad Caucuses, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation. “The launch of the Quad Caucus underscores our shared commitment to fostering peace, stability, and development in the region. By promoting collaboration on key issues like maritime security, infrastructure, and climate, we can ensure a safer and more prosperous future for all,” said White House Representative Ami Bera.
US lawmaker Rob Wittman also highlighted the importance of Quad cooperation, describing the partnership between the United States, Japan, India, and Australia as “crucial for the future stability of the Indo-Pacific.”
The Quad ministerial meetings, initiated during former US President Donald Trump’s administration, have received bipartisan support over the years and continue to strengthen the alliance among the four nations.
