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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-day visit to the United States, arriving on Saturday for a series of high-profile engagements. The visit's focal point is the Quad Leaders' Summit hosted by outgoing US President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware. Modi, along with fellow leaders from Australia, Japan, and the United States, will engage in discussions within the framework of this strategic alliance, originally known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. The Quad, formed in 2007, has grown in importance over the years, with a shared commitment to addressing common challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the context of China's rising influence.
This gathering holds significant geopolitical weight as Biden, during his first year in office, elevated the Quad to a leadership-level forum, highlighting its strategic importance in navigating regional security issues. The summit in Wilmington marks the first time Biden has invited a foreign leader to his hometown, underscoring the strength of his relationships with the leaders of India, Australia, and Japan. The event symbolizes the shared values and interests that underpin the Quad alliance, particularly as concerns about China's assertiveness in the region have grown.
Beyond the Quad Summit, Modi's itinerary includes engagements in New York, where he will address a large community event in Long Island on September 22nd. The following day, he will deliver a speech at the UN's Summit of the Future, highlighting India's role in global affairs and its commitment to multilateralism. The Summit of the Future, with the theme 'Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow,' is a significant event as the UN approaches its 80th anniversary in 2025. It serves as a platform for UN Member States to adopt the Pact of the Future, which includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations.
The summit's timing is noteworthy as it occurs amidst ongoing crises, including the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the war in Ukraine. It underscores the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing these challenges, along with persistent issues such as climate change, inequality, and geopolitical divisions. The Pact of the Future is expected to include groundbreaking language on long-overdue reforms to the UN Security Council, aiming to better reflect the current global realities and ensure more equitable representation.
Modi's visit to the United States encapsulates India's rising global stature and its pivotal role in shaping the geopolitical landscape. The Quad Summit underscores the significance of regional alliances in addressing shared challenges, while his address at the UN's Summit of the Future highlights India's commitment to multilateralism and its engagement in addressing global issues. As India assumes the presidency of the G20 in 2023, Modi's visit further strengthens India's position as a leading player on the world stage.
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