Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took part in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) summit alongside the leaders of the US, Australia, and Japan. This grouping is viewed as a key initiative to address China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
PM Modi emphasized the importance of a “free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific” during his opening remarks at the summit hosted by President Joe Biden. He said that the group’s stance was not against any particular nation but in support of a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of all issues.
India’s participation in the sixth Quad summit reflects its “Act East” policy and Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to strengthening ties with East Asian nations.
PM Modi described the Quad as a “force for global good” and emphasized that the alliance is “here to stay, to partner, and to contribute.” According to sources, PM Modi also referred to the Quad as Quick Unified Assistance Delivery, underscoring its commitment to a rules-based international order, without directly naming China. He emphasized the importance of respect for sovereignty and a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Quad Leaders Push for UN Security Council Reforms
In alignment with India’s long-standing goal of securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, Quad leaders reached a consensus on the urgent need for reforms. They agreed to make the UN Security Council more representative, inclusive, transparent, and effective, advocating for an expansion in both permanent and non-permanent membership categories.
Cancer Moonshot Event
During the Quad leaders’ Cancer Moonshot event, PM Modi announced India’s commitment of $7.5 million towards providing sampling kits, detection tools, and vaccines to combat cervical cancer. He emphasized India’s commitment to the “One Earth, One Health” vision and highlighted the expertise that Indian professionals can offer in the fight against cancer.
“India is ready to share its experience and expertise. Many Indian experts working in cancer care have joined us at this event. Our vision is One Earth, One Health, and today I am pleased to announce $7.5 million in support for cancer detection and vaccine initiatives,” said PM Modi.
Quad’s Focus on Indo-Pacific Infrastructure and Security
The Quad members also committed to leveraging their collective expertise to strengthen sustainable and resilient port infrastructure throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative aims to ensure that ports can operate efficiently during disruptions, including pandemics, natural disasters, or cyber-attacks.
In a significant step, the first-ever “Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission” was announced for 2025, aimed at enhancing cooperation and maritime safety among Coast Guards in the Indo-Pacific.
Strengthening Regional Logistics
The Quad announced a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) to enable the Indo-Pacific partners to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behaviour.
A Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project, has also been announced for shared airlift capacity among the four nations to support civilian response to natural disasters.
Quad Principles for Developing and Deploying Digital Public Infrastructure
The Quad nations emphasized the critical role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in creating a secure, reliable, and interoperable digital ecosystem. They affirmed principles such as inclusivity, security, privacy, and sustainability for DPI development, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Quad also acknowledged the potential of digital technologies to shape societies and accelerate progress toward the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.
Semiconductor Supply Chains
A “Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network Memorandum of Cooperation” was signed, with the goal of diversifying markets and boosting the resilience of semiconductor supply chains by leveraging the strengths of the Quad partners.
Mpox
In order to combat the recent outbreak of Mpox, the Quad agreed to make low-cost Mpox vaccines easily accessible for all the people in the Indo-Pacific region. For pandemic preparedness, India is set to release a white paper outlining emergency public health responses, while Australia is increasing the pool of public health specialists.
Space
The four countries plan to continue delivering Earth Observation data and other space-related applications to assist nations across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen climate early warning systems and better manage the impacts of extreme weather events.
The Quad leaders also welcomed India’s establishment of a space-based web portal for Mauritius to support the concept of open science for space-based monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact.
Statement on China’s aggression
The joint statement from the Quad leaders expressed strong concern over China’s aggressive behavior in the East and South China Seas. It emphasized the importance of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in maintaining peace and stability in the maritime domain.
The leaders condemned the militarization of disputed areas and the coercive maneuvers of China’s coast guard and maritime militia, opposing disruptions to other countries’ resource exploitation. They reaffirmed that maritime disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law, highlighting the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award as a basis for resolving such disputes.
How is India contributing?
* Technical assistance in cancer care: India commits $10 million to the WHO’s Global Initiative on Digital Health for capacity building on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in cancer care for Indo-Pacific countries.
* Solar energy investment: India will invest $2 million to establish new solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles.
* Scholarship program: A new scholarship category announced for Indo-Pacific students to pursue a four-year bachelor’s engineering program at Government of India-funded technical institutes.
* Space-based web portal: India is setting up a space-based web portal for Mauritius to aid in monitoring extreme weather events and climate impacts.
* HPV vaccine commitment: The Serum Institute of India, in partnership with Gavi and the Quad, will support orders of up to 40 million HPV vaccine doses for the Indo-Pacific region.
* Capacity building workshop: India will host a workshop on sustainable and resilient port infrastructure with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).