Blitz Bureau
PRIME Minister Narendra Modi has said the Quad is not an alliance against any country but a platform that supports rule-based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Addressing the sixth Quad summit at US President Joe Biden’s hometown of Delaware on September 22, PM Modi emphasised the alliance’s shared democratic values amid global tensions and conflicts.
He said cooperation among the Quad countries – India, the United States, Australia and Japan – is important for the wellbeing of all.
Long-term partner
PM Modi affirmed that Quad is poised to remain a long-term partner, ready to collaborate with Indo-Pacific nations for mutual growth and stability. He stressed that ensuring a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific is a shared priority and commitment of the Quad countries. The Prime Minister also highlighted Quad’s initiatives in various areas, including health, security, critical and emerging technologies, climate change and capacity building.
“Our message is clear- the Quad is here to stay, to assist, partner and complement. I once again congratulate President Joe Biden and all my colleagues. We would be delighted to host the Quad Leaders’ Summit in India in 2025,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to President Biden, PM Modi said, “Under your leadership, the first summit took place in 2021. In such a short time, we have increased our cooperation in every direction in an unprecedented way. 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 the Quad.”
The PM further said, “The Quad Summit is taking place at a time when the world is surrounded by tension and conflict. In such a situation, the Quad working together on the basis of shared democratic values is important for the entire humanity.”
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with US President at the latter’s residence. During the meeting, the two leaders identified new pathways to further deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. In a social media post, PM Modi said the talks were extremely fruitful. President Biden, in his post, said the United States’ partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history.
Talking to reporters, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri shared other details about PM Modi’s discussions with Biden, including the United States’ decision to return 297 stolen or trafficked Indian antiquities. PM Modi also had talks with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida.
