Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the Quad Summit on Saturday, underscored the alliance’s shared democratic values amid global tensions and conflicts. He highlighted that cooperation among Quad nations — India, the United States, Australia, and Japan — is crucial for the greater good.
In his opening remarks at the summit in Delaware, PM Modi said that the Quad is not an alliance against any nation but rather a forum that supports a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
He stressed that ensuring a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific is a shared priority and commitment of the Quad countries.
Reflecting on past achievements, PM Modi acknowledged U.S. President Joe Biden’s leadership in organizing the first Quad Summit in 2021.
“It gives me immense pleasure to participate at this Quad Summit during my third term…Under your leadership, the first summit (QUAD) of 2021 was organised. In such a short time, we have expanded our cooperation in an unprecedented way in every direction. You have played a very important role in this. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your strong commitment and contribution to Quad,” he said.
“Quad Summit is taking place at a time when the world is surrounded by tensions and conflicts. In such a situation, the QUAD’s working together on the basis of shared democratic values is very important for the entire humanity. We are not against anyone. We all support rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of all issues. Free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific is our shared priority and shared commitment,” he added.
PM Modi also highlighted the Quad’s initiatives in various fields, including health, security, critical and emerging technologies, climate change, and capacity building.
“Our message is clear- the QUAD is here to stay, to assist, to partner and to complement. I once again greet President Biden and all my colleagues. We will be happy to organize the QUAD Leaders Summit in India in 2025,” he said.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived in the United States at Philadelphia airport for the first leg of his three-day visit. Before the summit, he held a bilateral meeting with President Biden, where they explored new avenues to deepen the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
During his U.S. visit, PM Modi will address the “Summit of the Future” at the UN General Assembly in New York and engage with the Indian diaspora as well as key American business leaders.
Alongside PM Modi and Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida participated in the Quad Summit.
(With ANI input)