Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed at Philadelphia International Airport, kicking off his three-day visit to the United States. This visit is set to be pivotal as PM Modi will participate in the Quad Summit and hold bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden.
Before his departure from India, PM Modi expressed enthusiasm about engaging with President Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Quad Summit. The Quad alliance has become a vital platform for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
A key highlight of the visit is PM Modi’s bilateral meeting with President Biden, which will focus on further strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Over the years, the India-US relationship has deepened, particularly in defense, trade, and technology sectors. In 2015, both nations extended their defense cooperation agreement, and in 2016, India was designated as a Major Defense Partner by the US. Trade between the two countries also reached a new high in 2023, with total exchanges amounting to $190.1 billion.
The Quad Summit, taking place in Wilmington, Delaware, President Biden’s hometown, will see the four leaders discussing regional security and Indo-Pacific collaboration. This sixth Quad Summit holds special significance for India as it is set to host the next one. The summit will reaffirm the group’s commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, building on the principles outlined during the last summit held in Hiroshima, Japan.
After the Quad Summit, PM Modi will travel to New York, where he is expected to address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Coliseum on September 22. The Indian community in the US, with over 4.4 million members, plays a crucial role in strengthening India-US relations, and PM Modi’s speech is eagerly anticipated.
In addition to his diplomatic meetings, PM Modi will engage in a Business Roundtable with CEOs of leading American companies, focusing on emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, and quantum computing.
On September 23, PM Modi will attend the Summit of the Future (SoTF) at the United Nations. This summit, themed “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow,” will address pressing global challenges like health crises, energy security, climate change, and economic inequality. As the UN approaches its 80th anniversary in 2025, this event is seen as a key opportunity for the Global South to voice its concerns and shape global governance.