Philadelphia: On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Philadelphia, the first leg of his three-day visit to the United States, to attend the sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit, to be hosted by US President Joe Biden in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.
Despite the long journey, PM Modi and the travelling Indian delegation will not have time to recover from jetlag immediately upon arrival, given the day’s hectic programme.
The Prime Minister’s bilateral discussions with President Biden and other leaders of the Quad grouping, including Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, carry significant weight in shaping future relations.
Following PM Modi’s meeting with Biden, some key Indo-Pacific Economic Framework-related agreements and an India-US Drug Framework-related MoU are expected to be signed. The discussions are likely to focus on trade, security, and regional stability. A fact sheet will also be released after the two leaders’ bilateral discussions.
The all-important sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit—the fourth in person—is scheduled for Sunday at around 4 PM EST (around 1.30 AM, India time) at Archmere Academy, where Biden attended High school.
Following the plenary session, the Quad leaders will gather to unveil the impactful Cancer Moonshot event. This signature initiative aims to implement innovative strategies to prevent, detect, treat, and alleviate the impact of cancer on patients and their families, underscoring the importance of global health initiatives.
For the first time, Biden will also be hosting foreign leaders in Wilmington as President, including an “intimate leaders’ dinner” at his private home following the Moonshot event. The White House believes this is “a reflection of his deep personal relationships with each of the Quad Leaders” and the importance of the Quad to all countries.
During his stay in New York, the Prime Minister will also attend a Business Roundtable with CEOs of leading US companies in the cutting-edge areas of Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology and hold bilateral meetings with several other world leaders.
On Monday (September 23), PM Modi will address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly. This event will bring together world leaders to enhance multilateral cooperation and tackle the most pressing global challenges.
World leaders are expected to adopt an outcome document, Pact for the Future, which outlines a shared vision for global cooperation and development. The document includes annexes on the global digital compact and a declaration for future generations, highlighting the importance of these issues in shaping the future.
PM Modi receives a grand welcome from the Indian diaspora
Many people from the Indian community in the US gathered at the Philadelphia International Airport to warmly welcome PM Modi.
On his arrival, the Prime Minister interacted with the Indian diaspora as people jostled to take selfies with him.
“Landed in Philadelphia. Today’s programme will be focused on the Quad Summit and the bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden. I am sure the discussions throughout the day will contribute to making our planet better and addressing key global challenges,” PM Modi posted on X after his arrival.
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Hundreds had also gathered at the hotel where PM Modi will be putting up during his stay in Delaware.
“The Indian community has distinguished itself in the USA, making a positive impact across diverse sectors. It’s always a delight to interact with them. At around 9:30 PM India time on Sunday, 22nd September, I will address the Modi and US programme in New York City. Let’s celebrate the bonds that connect our nations!” said PM Modi after his arrival in the United States.
As Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri detailed earlier this week, the 4.5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the United States—amongst the largest such groups in the country—continues to contribute to the relationship between the two countries by acting as a vibrant living bridge.
During his stay in New York, the Prime Minister will also attend a Business Roundtable with CEOs of leading US companies in the cutting-edge areas of Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology and hold bilateral meetings with several other world leaders.
India to hold Quad Summit next year
Quad—a diplomatic partnership between India, the United States, Australia, and Japan—remains committed to supporting an open, stable, prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific.
The Quad countries account for 1.9 billion combined people, 44 percent of two-way merchandise trade across the Indo-Pacific region, US $34.8 trillion combined GDP, and 30 percent of global foreign direct investment (FDI) stock.
Having swapped its turn with the US due to scheduling issues, India will now host the 2025 Quad Summit as the relationship between the partner nations continues to expand strategically and economically.
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–IANS
