Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi commenced a significant three-day visit to the United States on September 21, 2024. His schedule features participation in the Fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington and an address at the ‘Summit of the Future’ during the UN General Assembly (UNGA). This visit seeks to enhance diplomatic ties and collaborative efforts between India and the US.
Here are key agendas of PM Modi’s visit to the states:
- On September 21, PM Modi will participate in the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, hosted by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
- On September 22, PM Modi will address a gathering of the Indian community.
- Further, he will interact with CEOs of leading US-based companies to foster greater collaborations between the two countries in the cutting-edge areas of AI, quantum computing, semiconductors and biotechnology.
- Interaction with thought leaders and other stakeholders active in the India-US bilateral landscape.
- On September 23, PM Modi will address ‘Summit of the Future’ at UNGA in New York.
Quad Leaders’ Summit Participation
On September 21, PM Modi arrived in Wilmington, Delaware, where he participated in the Fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit hosted by US President Joe Biden. The summit focuses on reviewing the Quad’s progress over the past year and setting future strategies to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. PM Modi stated, “I look forward to the deliberations at the Summit,” highlighting the importance of this gathering.
Key discussion topics included health security, climate change, emerging technologies, connectivity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism. A major highlight will be the launch of the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative aimed at combating cancer in the Indo-Pacific, starting with efforts to reduce cervical cancer.
During the bilateral meeting with President Biden, the two leaders will “review and identify new pathways to further deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership for the benefit of our people and the global good.” PM Modi is expected to sign two agreements: the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the India-US drug framework.
Engagement with the Indian Diaspora
On September 22, PM Modi will travel to New York City. He is set to address the Indian community and interact with CEOs of leading US-based companies, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration in critical areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology. PM Modi remarked, “I am eagerly looking forward to engaging with the Indian diaspora and important American business leaders, who are the key stakeholders and provide vibrancy to the unique partnership between the largest and the oldest democracies of the world.”
Summit of the Future at UNGA
The final day of PM Modi’s visit will feature his participation in the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the UNGA on September 23. He will address global leaders on the theme “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow,” and engage in bilateral discussions with various heads of state to explore mutual interests.
There has been speculation regarding potential meetings between PM Modi and former US President Donald Trump. However, the Ministry of External Affairs has not confirmed any specific meetings, stating, “There are many meetings with the Prime Minister right now which we are trying to fix.” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri added, “We are looking from all angles as to how much time we have and with whom we can hold meetings. We will keep updating you about the meetings.”
As PM Modi concludes his visit, he is expected to return to India with insights and agreements that will further bolster the India-US partnership, paving the way for future collaborations in various sectors.
