Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States earlier today for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between India and the US. His visit commenced with a bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden, focusing on critical issues that impact both nations.
In a message shared on social media platform X, PM Modi expressed enthusiasm for the discussions ahead, stating, “Landed in Philadelphia. Discussions throughout the day will contribute to making the planet better.” He also shared photos showcasing the warm welcome he received from the Indian community in the US, praising their contributions across various sectors.
During the bilateral talks, PM Modi and President Biden are expected to discuss several significant agreements, including a multi-billion dollar deal for India to acquire 31 Predator drones from the United States. The discussions will also cover advancements in India-US space collaboration, notably an announcement regarding Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s upcoming mission to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission.
An energetic welcome in Philadelphia! Our diaspora’s blessings are greatly cherished. pic.twitter.com/vwIc9dB2yv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2024
Key Discussions at the Quad Summit
Following the bilateral talks, PM Modi will attend the strategic Quad summit alongside President Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. A major focus of the summit will be the rising challenges posed by China, particularly its military actions in the region.
White House spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that discussions regarding China’s aggressive posturing, including unfair trade practices and tensions over the Taiwan Strait, will be crucial. This Quad summit, held in Wilmington, Delaware, marks a significant event, being the last for both President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida, who are stepping down from their respective positions.
Understanding the Quad Grouping
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, is a strategic partnership comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the United States. Established to promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, the Quad has gained importance amid concerns over China’s expanding influence in the South China Sea and beyond.
PM Modi highlighted the significance of the Quad, stating that it serves as a platform for like-minded countries to collaborate on issues of peace and prosperity. The summit will address key areas such as health security, climate change, emerging technologies, and counter-terrorism.
US President @POTUS @JoeBiden welcomes PM @narendramodi Ji at his home in #Delaware.#NarendraModi#PrimeMinisterOfIndia#BJP#NDA#MyGov#IndianArmy#IndianAirForce#IndianNavy#AtmanirbharBharat#EkBharatShreshthaBharat#QuadSummit #India 🇮🇳#USA 🇺🇸#BharatMataKiJai#JaiHind… pic.twitter.com/nPviCxC07b
— Dr. Musfiqur Rahman Rajib (@DrMusfiqurRajib) September 21, 2024
Focus Areas for the Quad Summit 2024
This year’s Quad summit will also delve into global concerns, including the escalating conflicts in the Middle East, notably the Israel-Hamas situation, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Additionally, plans for expanding the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) from Southeast Asia to the Indian Ocean Region will be formally announced.
A senior administration official confirmed that this expansion will introduce sophisticated technologies aimed at enhancing maritime domain awareness and include new training programs for partner nations.
Overview
As Prime Minister Modi’s visit unfolds, the discussions and agreements made during this crucial diplomatic engagement are expected to further solidify the strategic partnership between India and the United States. This visit not only highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges but also reinforces the role of the Quad in promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Stay tuned for updates on the outcomes of PM Modi’s discussions and the strategic initiatives that emerge from this high-profile visit.
