Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed that the shared democratic values of the Quad grouping are vital for humanity, particularly in the face of increasing global tensions. Mr Modi also affirmed that the Quad is poised to remain a long-term partner, ready to collaborate with Indo-Pacific nations for mutual growth and stability. This was stated by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a media briefing today while sharing key takeaways from Prime Minister Modi’s ongoing three-day visit to the United States.
Last night, Mr Modi took part in the Quad Leaders Summit and held a series of bilateral meetings with the leaders of the Quad member countries in Delaware. Quad brings together four countries: India, Australia, Japan, and the US. The Foreign Secretary said the Quad Leaders Summit and bilateral meetings offered Prime Minister Modi a platform to articulate India’s vision for global growth, peace, and security. Mr Misri said Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to US President Joe Biden for hosting the Quad Leaders Summit and for his leadership in strengthening the grouping, highlighting the importance of the alliance in fostering global cooperation.
Earlier, speaking at the Summit, Prime Minister Modi stressed that Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner, and to complement. He asserted that the Quad grouping is committed to a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Mr Modi stressed that the grouping is not against anyone and supports a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of all issues. Mr Modi said the Quad Summit is taking place at a time when the world is surrounded by tensions and conflict. The Prime Minister said that together, Quad countries have taken many positive and inclusive initiatives in areas like health, security, critical and emerging technologies, climate change, and capacity building. Mr. Modi also expressed his happiness in organizing the QUAD Leaders Summit in India in 2025.
On the sidelines of the Quad Summit, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with US President at Mr Biden’s residence in Delaware last night. During the meeting, the two leaders identified new pathways to further deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi said the talks were extremely fruitful. President Biden, in a social media post, said the United States’ partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history. Talking to reporters, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also shared other details about Mr Modi’s discussions with Mr Biden including the United States’ decision to return 297 stolen or trafficked Indian antiquities.
Prime Minister Modi, in a social media post, thanked the US government and President Joe Biden for ensuring the return of these artefacts to India. Some of the antiquities were showcased to the two leaders on the sidelines of their bilateral meeting in a symbolic handing over. The antiquities date back to around 4,000 years, with the majority of them being mainly terracotta from eastern India. Total antiquities recovered from the US since 2016 now stand at 578, the highest by any country. Notably, in July, India and the US signed the first ever ‘Cultural Property Agreement’ to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the US.
Mr Modi also held talks with his Japan and Australian counterparts. With Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Mr Modi reviewed the India-Japan relationship and talked about ways to expand the bilateral relations. Mr Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, during their meeting, reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit as well as for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. Tonight, Prime Minister Modi will address a gathering of the Indian Community in New York. He is also scheduled to meet with top executives of leading US-based companies to explore greater collaboration in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductors.
