Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to attend the highly anticipated Quad Leaders Summit on September 21 in Delaware, hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden. This significant meeting will also feature Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The primary objective of the summit is to reinforce alliances within the Indo-Pacific region, with a concerted focus on countering the growing influence of China, enhancing maritime security, and fostering collaboration in emerging technologies that are crucial for future development.
The Quad, which was originally conceptualized in 2007, has had a tumultuous history, remaining largely inactive for nearly a decade until its revival in 2017. This revival coincided with the presidency of Donald Trump and has since gained considerable traction under President Biden, who has prioritized international alliances following a period of isolationist policies. Since 2021, the leaders have convened for four significant meetings, marking a turning point in regional cooperation.
Interestingly, although India was initially slated to host this pivotal summit, scheduling conflicts among the four leaders led to a change in venue to the United States. This decision allows President Biden, who has recently announced his intention to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election race, to bid farewell to his counterparts on his home turf. Looking ahead, India is expected to host the next Quad summit in 2025, reinforcing its pivotal role in regional diplomacy.
The Quad is widely perceived as a strategic measure to counterbalance China's increasing assertiveness and military expansion in the Indo-Pacific. Indian officials have consistently emphasized that the Quad should be understood as a diplomatic alliance rather than a military one, aiming to enhance collaboration among member nations. According to a vision statement released during last year's summit, the Quad aims to "support a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient," seeking a region that is "peaceful and prosperous, stable and secure, and respectful of sovereignty," free from intimidation and coercion, with disputes settled in accordance with international law.
As the summit approaches, expectations are high for ambitious announcements across multiple domains. The Quad's agenda will likely include intensified security cooperation in the Indian Ocean, as well as strategies to track illegal fishing fleets operating in the waters of the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, the leaders are expected to address the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, aiming to develop a coordinated approach to these pressing global issues.
Mira Rapp-Hooper, a senior director at the White House National Security Council, emphasized that this year's Quad summit will feature significant announcements in areas where the Quad has established itself as a valuable partner. These areas include health security, humanitarian and disaster response, maritime security, high-quality infrastructure development, critical and emerging technologies, climate action, and cybersecurity initiatives.Â
In the lead-up to the summit, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed confidence that the leaders would discuss ways to expand cooperation among member nations to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. He also noted that discussions would encompass the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, with new initiatives expected to be announced.
In addition to these crucial discussions, the four leaders are set to launch a "moonshot" initiative aimed at preventing, detecting, treating, and alleviating the impact of cancer on patients and their families. This initiative underscores the Quad's commitment to addressing not only security concerns but also significant public health challenges.
Alongside his participation in the Quad Summit, PM Narendra Modi is expected to engage in one-on-one meetings with various leaders, fostering bilateral relations. He will also speak at an event celebrating the Indian diaspora and address the "Summit of the Future" at the United Nations General Assembly, showcasing India's proactive and multifaceted role on the global stage. This active participation not only highlights India's diplomatic efforts but also reinforces its commitment to addressing critical global issues in collaboration with international partners.
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