Modi Meets Quad Leaders for Security Discussions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India has arrived in the United States for a three-day visit, participating in the Quad Leaders Summit alongside US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The summit will focus on enhancing security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to China's assertiveness, and will announce initiatives including joint coast guard operations and an expanded maritime awareness partnership. Discussions are also expected to cover India's recent peace efforts concerning Russia and Ukraine, as well as defense agreements, including the potential purchase of 31 Predator drones from the US. Modi will also engage with US businesses to foster collaboration in technology sectors such as AI and biotechnology and will address the Indian community at a special event. The future of the Quad under potential new leadership following the upcoming US presidential election remains uncertain, but officials emphasize its bipartisan nature and ongoing commitment to regional security. The summit is seen as a key diplomatic effort to maintain alliances and counter threats in the Indo-Pacific, particularly from Chinese activities in contested waters.