India has reiterated its strong stance on promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region during the Quad Leaders Summit held in Delaware, U.S. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of the Quad alliance—comprising India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia—in fostering a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
The summit became a platform for reinforcing democratic values, addressing contemporary global challenges, and exploring avenues for cooperation in various sectors.
Prime Minister Modi’s Key Messages: Peace and Stability
During his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that the Quad supports a rules-based international order while seeking to maintain peace and stability in an increasingly volatile global environment. He emphasized that the summit is taking place at a time when the world is surrounded by tensions and conflicts, making cooperation among Quad nations vital for humanity.
The Prime Minister underscored how the Quad is not just a geopolitical alliance but also a platform for addressing pressing issues like health, technology, and climate change. Initiatives under the Quad umbrella are aligned with global growth and security, ensuring that the Indo-Pacific remains free from coercion and open to all, respecting international norms.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri added to this narrative by announcing that India will host the next Quad Leaders Summit in 2025, solidifying its role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific strategy. This summit not only reflects India’s growing influence in global geopolitics but also sets the stage for deeper strategic partnerships with its Quad allies.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties: India-U.S. and Beyond
On the sidelines of the Quad summit, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with U.S. President Joe Biden, focusing on fortifying India-U.S. ties. This dialogue underscored the expanding cooperation between the two nations in areas like defense, technology, and trade. Modi’s meeting with Biden symbolizes a growing alignment between the two democracies, especially at a time when the world faces numerous geopolitical challenges.
The Prime Minister also met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to review and strengthen their respective bilateral relations. India’s growing relationship with Japan was highlighted, with both leaders committing to expanding cooperation in key sectors like defense, digital innovation, and infrastructure development.
Similarly, Modi’s discussions with Albanese reaffirmed the commitment to deepening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Australia and India have been cooperating closely on regional security and shared economic interests, with both nations playing a significant role in maintaining Indo-Pacific security.
In a nod to the robust cultural ties between India and the U.S., a significant diplomatic gesture occurred when the U.S. returned 297 stolen antiquities to India, strengthening the cultural and historical bond between the two countries. The move also highlights the broader effort to preserve and respect global heritage.
Key Highlights of Quad 2024: Initiatives and Cooperation
A series of critical announcements marked the Quad 2024 Summit, showcasing the collective efforts of the Quad nations in addressing global issues. The leaders adopted the Quad Wilmington Declaration to advance their agenda, marking a commitment to health, maritime security, technology, and more.
- Quad Cancer Moonshot: A new initiative aimed at reducing the burden of cancer in the Indo-Pacific region, starting with cervical cancer, which is preventable yet remains a significant cause of mortality.
- Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI): This program aims to enhance maritime awareness and security by helping regional partners utilize tools from the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative. India will host the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025.
- Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission (2025): The first-ever mission involving the U.S., Japan, Australia, and Indian Coast Guards will enhance maritime safety and interoperability.
- Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network: A pilot project that will pool collective logistics strengths to improve civilian disaster response across the region.
- Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network: A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to bolster the resilience of semiconductor supply chains, addressing global demand.
These key initiatives reflect the Quad’s overarching goals of fostering stability, advancing technological cooperation, and addressing urgent health challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
New Initiatives: Addressing Global Health, Maritime Security, and Technology
A key outcome of the Quad Summit was the adoption of the Quad Wilmington Declaration, which laid the foundation for the next phase of the Quad’s agenda. Among the most noteworthy initiatives was the Quad Cancer Moonshot, a collective effort to reduce the burden of cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. Initially, the initiative will focus on cervical cancer, a preventable disease with a significant mortality rate in the region. The Quad Cancer Moonshot is built on the Quad’s successful COVID-19 collaboration and will bring together scientific expertise and private-sector investments to address broader health challenges.
Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region was another major focus at the summit. The leaders announced the launch of the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), which will equip regional partners with tools to enhance maritime domain awareness.
The initiative is part of a larger effort to deter illegal activities, improve security, and strengthen law enforcement in regional waters. India is set to host the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025, marking another milestone in India’s role as a regional security leader.
Furthering this maritime collaboration, the Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission was announced for 2025, with coast guards from the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India coming together to enhance maritime safety and interoperability. This mission will be the first of its kind and will significantly contribute to the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.
Technological advancements also formed a key part of the summit’s agenda. The Quad leaders launched the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network, which will improve civilian disaster response capabilities by leveraging the collective logistical strengths of Quad nations.
Additionally, the new Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network aims to enhance the resilience of semiconductor supply chains, addressing the growing global demand for this critical technology.
Looking Ahead: India’s Global Leadership
The 2024 Quad Leaders Summit proved to be a critical moment for India and its Quad partners. In addition to the health and maritime security initiatives, the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership was launched to support sustainable and resilient port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific region. These initiatives reflect the Quad’s commitment to fostering long-term development and stability in the region.
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming address at the United Nations General Assembly on “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow” is another key event that underscores India’s vision for global growth and cooperation. By engaging with global leaders at the “Summit of the Future,” Modi aims to further position India as a proponent of multilateralism and a leader in addressing international challenges.
As India prepares to host the Quad Leaders Summit in 2025, it is clear that the country’s role in global affairs is growing stronger. India’s leadership in health initiatives, maritime security, and technological collaboration demonstrates its commitment to promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The Wilmington Declaration and the various Quad initiatives launched during the summit showcase the collective strength of the Quad nations, promising a more secure and inclusive future for the region.
In conclusion, India’s active participation in the Quad Summit and its leadership on various initiatives highlight its strategic importance in global geopolitics. With a clear vision for growth, peace, and security, India is poised to play an even greater role on the world stage, making the Indo-Pacific a central focus for international cooperation in the coming years.
