Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin his three-day visit to the United States on Saturday. The visit is packed with high-level meetings with global leaders, the annual Quad summit, and participation in key discussions at the United Nations.
Quad Summit in Wilmington
The first program on the PM’s agenda will be the annual Quad summit to be held in Wilmington, Delaware, the hometown of US President Joe Biden. The Sixth Quad summit brings together India, Australia, Japa and the United States, with a commitment to work as a force for global good and to support an open, free, and inclusive Indo-Pacific that is prosperous and resilient. The summit is also critical for India as it will be hosting the next Summit.
PM Modi will join US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday to discuss regional security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Review of the Last Quad Leaders’ Summit
The fifth Quad Leaders’ Summit took place in Hiroshima, Japan, on May 20 last year. In addition to issuing a Joint Statement, the leaders released the “Quad Leaders’ Vision Statement – Enduring Partners for the Indo-Pacific,” outlining their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The statement emphasized the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
At the 2023 Leaders’ Summit, Quad members focused on addressing climate change and enhancing regional cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. They collaborated on initiatives like sustainable consumption and production, clean hydrogen, disaster risk management, climate data exchange, green shipping and ports, and capacity building. A notable outcome was the announcement of the Clean Energy Supply Chains Initiative, aimed at facilitating research and development and supporting the energy transition in the Indo-Pacific.
Cybersecurity also took center stage, with the Quad partners working towards securing cyberspace and strengthening cyber resilience. The release of the Quad Joint Principles for Secure Software and Cyber Security of Critical Infrastructure at the 2023 Summit marked a significant step in defending against cyber threats to software supply chains and critical infrastructure.
The Quad Vaccine Partnership evolved into a more comprehensive Health Security Partnership to bolster regional and global health security. This expanded effort builds on the successful collaboration in providing safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, critical medicines, and healthcare equipment to the Indo-Pacific region.
Earth Observation and Cancer Moonshot Event
The Quad is also working to exchange Earth observation satellite data and analysis to help Indo-Pacific countries adapt to climate change, prepare for natural disasters, and manage oceans and marine resources.
A special event on the sidelines of the Quad Summit will be the Cancer Moonshot event. Through this initiative, the Quad aims to implement strategies to prevent, detect, and treat cancer, with an initial focus on reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region.
Bilateral Meeting with US President Joe Biden
PM Modi is expected to engage in a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden. India and the United States enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership covering almost all areas of human endeavor, driven by shared democratic values and mutual interests.
Defence and Trade Relations
One of the key issues is India-US defense cooperation, which was renewed for ten years in 2015. In 2016, the defense relationship was designated as a Major Defense Partnership (MDP). The US is also India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods and services reaching $190.1 billion in 2023.
Agreements expected to be signed during the visit include the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework-related agreements and an India-US Drug Framework Memorandum of Understanding.
Community Event with Indian Diaspora
On September 22, PM Modi will address a community event of the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. About 4.4 million Indian Americans or persons of Indian origin reside in the US, making them one of the most successful and influential communities in the country.
Business Roundtable with US CEOs
PM Modi will also attend a Business Roundtable with CEOs of leading US companies in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
‘Summit of the Future’
From Wilmington, PM Modi will travel to New York to attend the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations on September 23. The theme of the Summit is ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow.’ This summit is seen as a significant moment as the UN approaches its 80th anniversary in 2025.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will deliver India’s national statement during the UNGA General Debate.