PM Modi Returns to Delhi After Successful Three-Day US Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a successful three-day visit to the United States from September 21 to 23, 2024. His trip included participation in the 6th Quad Summit, the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations, bilateral meetings, and engagement with the Indian diaspora.

6th Quad Summit Meeting in Wilmington, Delaware

Hosted by President Joe Biden, the Quad Summit was attended by PM Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Key outcomes included:

• Quad Cancer Moonshot: Joe Biden announced a cancer prevention initiative, starting with cervical cancer. India pledged $7.5 million to support the program.
• MAITRI (Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific): India will host the first MAITRI workshop to enhance maritime security.
• Quad Ports of the Future Partnership: Aimed at developing sustainable ports in the Indo-Pacific, with the inaugural conference set for Mumbai in 2025.
• Clean Energy Commitment: India committed $2 million to solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles.
• Coast Guard Cooperation: Launch of the first Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025.

India to Host 7th Quad Summit in 2025

Originally scheduled to host the 2024 summit, India swapped hosting rights with the USA for logistical reasons. The USA will host the 2025 foreign ministers’ meeting.

CEO Roundtable Meeting

PM Modi attended a CEO Roundtable in New York, organized by MIT’s School of Engineering, where he met leaders in sectors like semiconductors, AI, Quantum technology, and Life Sciences.

Address to the Indian Diaspora

PM Modi engaged with the Indian community in New York, highlighting India’s potential and opportunities for collaboration.

Summit of the Future at the UN

PM Modi called for reforms in global institutions, including the UN Security Council, to ensure relevance and effective global governance.

Bilateral Meetings

PM Modi held discussions with leaders such as Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and others, emphasizing India’s stance on global issues.

Defense Cooperation

India is moving forward with procuring 31 MQ-9B drones from the US, marking a significant boost in defense ties.

Return to India

PM Modi described the US visit as “fruitful,” focusing on diverse programs aimed at global well-being. He shared a video highlighting his interactions and engagements during the visit.

 

Quad and its Summit Meetings: Key Points

Formation: Initiated by former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in 2007 for maritime cooperation post-2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Summit Meetings:

• First (virtual) – USA, March 2021
• Second (in-person) – Washington, D.C., USA, September 2021
• Third (virtual) – March 2022
• Fourth – Japan, Tokyo, May 2022
• Fifth – Australia, May 2023
• Sixth – USA, Delaware, September 2024

Foreign Minister Meetings: Eight meetings held, most recent in Tokyo, Japan, on July 29, 2024.