PM Modi Highlights India’s Focus on Development and Democracy at Quad Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s engagements during the Quad summit emphasized India’s commitment to minimizing conflict and division while leveraging democratic values for development, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. In a special briefing about PM Modi’s U.S. visit, Misri stated, “India focuses on reducing conflict and division and harnessing democratic values to achieve development goals, highlighting technology’s role in promoting good governance.”

These themes were reflected in the bilateral meetings held in Delaware, where technology was a key focus, as outlined in the Quad fact sheet and the joint statement with the United States. Misri noted, “During the plurilateral discussions, PM Modi emphasized India’s approach to cooperation and engagement for growth with various Indo-Pacific partners, and it was noteworthy to hear other Quad leaders recognize India’s efforts.”

Saturday was a busy day for PM Modi, who is on a three-day trip to the U.S. After a 15-and-a-half-hour flight from New Delhi, he headed directly to a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at Biden’s personal residence in Wilmington, followed by participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit alongside Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida.

Misri highlighted that at the Quad summit, PM Modi joined the launch of the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative aimed at combating cervical cancer, announcing India’s commitment of $7.5 million for cancer testing, screening, and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region. He also held bilateral meetings with his Quad counterparts and concluded the day with a dinner hosted by President Biden.

Another significant aspect of the visit was the return of nearly 300 antiquities to India. Misri remarked on the dual focus of the discussions, stating, “Here we were addressing not just ‘vikas’ but also ‘virasat.'” PM Modi expressed gratitude to President Biden for the return of 297 stolen antiquities, highlighting the importance of deepening cultural connections and combating the illicit trafficking of cultural properties.

After concluding programs in Delaware, PM Modi shared glimpses of the warm welcome he received from the Indian diaspora upon arriving in New York, stating his eagerness to engage with the community.