During his recent three-day visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Joe Biden and attended the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Delaware. Here’s a breakdown of the most important highlights:
1. Quad is Here to Stay, Not Targeted at Anyone
PM Modi emphasized that the Quad alliance—comprising the US, India, Australia, and Japan—is not formed to target any nation, subtly addressing concerns around China’s aggressive stance in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad is united by democratic values and aims to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Modi reiterated that the Quad is here to promote peace, uphold international law, and foster cooperation.
2. Concern About China’s Aggression
The Quad leaders raised serious concerns about China’s actions in the South China Sea and East China Sea, particularly its militarization of disputed areas and aggressive maneuvers. The joint statement stressed the need to adhere to international law and resolve disputes peacefully. The leaders also reaffirmed their opposition to disruptive actions in offshore resource zones and maritime territories.
3. Biden’s Hot Mic Moment
In a candid moment, US President Joe Biden was caught on a hot mic discussing China’s aggressive behavior. He noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping was likely trying to balance domestic issues while simultaneously pushing for China’s strategic interests globally. Biden expressed the importance of using intense diplomacy to counter these challenges.
4. Deliverables from the Quad Summit
Several key initiatives were announced, including:
- Quad Cancer Moonshot: A partnership to provide HPV vaccines and detection kits to Indo-Pacific countries.
- Quad-at-Sea Observer Mission: Improving maritime safety and interoperability among coast guards in the region.
- Ports of the Future Partnership: Developing resilient and sustainable port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific.
- Semiconductor Supply Chain Resilience: A plan to strengthen semiconductor supply chains among Quad nations.
5. Stronger US-India Relationship
During their meeting, Biden and Modi discussed the increasing depth of the India-US partnership. Modi appreciated Biden’s contributions to strengthening ties, while Biden highlighted that their relationship is stronger and more dynamic than ever. This marked their eighth meeting in four years, reflecting the close diplomatic ties between the two nations.
6. Return of Indian Antiquities
In a symbolic gesture of cultural diplomacy, the US returned 297 smuggled antiquities to India during Modi’s visit. These artifacts are part of India’s rich cultural heritage, and with this return, the US has now sent back a total of 578 ancient items since 2014.
7. Discussion on Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s political situation was also on the agenda during Modi’s bilateral meeting with Biden. The two leaders discussed the condition of minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh, continuing their previous discussions on the topic.
This visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to global cooperation and strengthened bilateral and multilateral ties, with a focus on addressing regional security, infrastructure development, and cultural preservation.
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