Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening ties between India and the US. His visit began with a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden, where the two leaders are expected to discuss key areas of cooperation. Following this, PM Modi will attend the strategic Quad summit and later, the “Summit of the Future” at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The meeting between the two leaders, held in Wilmington, Delaware, President Biden’s hometown, aims to strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Modi shared his excitement about the day’s events on social media, writing, “Landed in Philadelphia… Today’s program will be focused on the Quad Summit and the bilateral meeting with Joe Biden. I am sure the discussions throughout the day will contribute to making our planet better and addressing key global challenges.”
The Indian Prime Minister was warmly greeted upon his arrival in Philadelphia by members of the Indian diaspora. He shared photographs of the warm reception on social media and expressed his gratitude, stating, “Our diaspora’s blessings are greatly cherished.” The Indian diaspora has made a significant impact in the US across various sectors, which Modi also highlighted. He is scheduled to meet the community again at the “Modi And US” program in New York on the third day of his visit.
Several important agreements are expected to be finalized during the bilateral talks, including a multi-billion dollar deal in which India plans to acquire 31 predator drones from the US. Another major development will be an announcement about the India-US space collaboration, under which Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will travel to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission. These deals and collaborations are part of Modi’s broader efforts to enhance India’s defense and technological capabilities through partnerships with key global players like the United States.
Following the bilateral discussions, Modi will join the Quad summit, where he will meet with US President Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. One of the central topics on the agenda is China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. John Kirby, White House Spokesperson, emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges, noting, “It would be irresponsible if they didn’t talk about the challenges that still exist in the region caused by aggressive People’s Republic of China military action.”
The Quad summit holds special significance as this will be the final Quad summit for both President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida, as they are not seeking another term in office. The Quad, short for the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a strategic partnership between India, Australia, Japan, and the United States. The group’s main objective is to maintain an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Amid increasing concerns about China’s activities in the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific, the Quad has emerged as a crucial platform for promoting peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region.
Modi, before leaving for the US, had stated that the Quad is a key platform for like-minded countries to work together for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. This year’s summit will focus on several key global challenges, including health security, climate change, emerging technologies, infrastructure, connectivity, and counter-terrorism. The leaders are also expected to discuss the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, particularly the escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars.
A significant highlight of the Quad summit will be the expansion of the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) from Southeast Asia to the Indian Ocean region. The White House announced that this expansion will include new, sophisticated technologies to enhance maritime security. A formal announcement is expected in Wilmington on Saturday. According to senior administration officials, this expanded partnership will provide new opportunities for India to work with regional partners in the Indian Ocean. “The Quad is more strategically aligned and more relevant than ever before,” said John Kirby, Strategic Communications Director at the White House National Security Council.
Originally, India was set to host this year’s Quad summit. However, following a request from Washington, India agreed to host the summit next year, allowing the United States to take the lead this year.
Apart from the Quad discussions, Modi will also participate in other significant engagements, including the “Summit of the Future” at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. His visit is part of India’s broader diplomatic efforts to assert its role as a global leader. The “Summit of the Future” is seen as an opportunity for world leaders to address pressing global challenges and forge a new international consensus on how to ensure a better and more secure future.
In a statement ahead of his departure, Modi expressed his eagerness to engage with world leaders and address global issues. “The forum has emerged as a key group of like-minded countries to work for peace, progress, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said. Modi also highlighted India’s desire to play a significant role in shaping global affairs, stating that the “Summit of the Future” would allow him to present India’s perspective on global challenges, representing one-sixth of humanity.
As part of his itinerary, Modi will also meet with top American CEOs working in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductors. These meetings aim to foster collaboration and investment in India’s growing tech industry. Additionally, Modi will participate in a roundtable with American business leaders, a sign of India’s focus on boosting economic ties with the United States.
Modi’s address at the “Modi And US” event in New York on Sunday will offer him the chance to connect with the vibrant Indian-American community, whose contributions to the US have helped strengthen the bonds between the two countries. He is expected to speak on the importance of the India-US partnership and the role of the diaspora in fostering deeper ties.
With a packed schedule of high-level engagements, Modi’s visit to the US is set to further cement India’s position as a key player in global diplomacy and solidify its strategic partnership with the United States. His focus on defense cooperation, technological collaboration, and promoting peace in the Indo-Pacific reflects India’s ambitions on the world stage. As he attends the Quad summit and the UN General Assembly, Modi will not only represent India’s interests but also share his vision for a peaceful and prosperous future for the global community.
