“Free, open Indo-Pacific is our shared priority”: PM Modi at QUAD Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the commitment of the QUAD nations to a “free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific” during the QUAD Summit held on Saturday in Wilmington, Delaware. Joining Modi were US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
In his opening remarks, PM Modi emphasized the importance of the summit amid a backdrop of global tensions and conflicts. “At such a time, it is crucial for the members of the QUAD to advance based on our shared democratic values. We are not against anyone; rather, we stand for a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes,” he stated.
Modi highlighted the positive initiatives undertaken by the QUAD, including efforts in health security, emerging technologies, climate change, and capacity building. “Our message is clear — the QUAD is here to stay, to assist, to partner, and to complement,” he declared, proposing to host the next QUAD Leaders’ Summit in India in 2025.
Expressing appreciation for President Biden’s leadership, Modi noted that the first QUAD summit was convened under Biden’s administration. “I express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your firm commitment, leadership, and contribution towards the QUAD,” he said.
PM Modi arrived in the US just hours before the summit for a three-day visit, during which he also held productive bilateral talks with President Biden at his Delaware residence. Following the discussions, he described the talks as “extremely fruitful.”
In addition to the QUAD summit, Modi is scheduled to address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly in New York and engage with Indian expatriates and American business leaders during his visit. The QUAD’s commitment to regional stability and cooperation continues to gain momentum as the leaders look to tackle pressing global challenges together.
Joe Biden told the QUAD nations that China was testing them, thus reflecting upon the American seriousness of the emerging Chinese threat. “We believe Xi Jinping is looking to focus on domestic economic challenges and minimise the turbulence in China,” Biden told the leaders at the Summit.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.