Modi leaves for America today; What’s on the agenda here

What will be the special features of Modi’s US visit?

One of the major events in the US is a meeting of the leaders of the four Quad countries – the US, India, Japan and Australia – who have common interests – primarily, a free and open Indo-Pacific, muscle against the backdrop of China’s military Flexing. They had held a virtual summit on March 12 when they agreed to boost the production of COVID vaccine for countries in the Indo-Pacific. The understanding was that India would manufacture the vaccine, with Hyderabad-based Biologicals E getting approval from Johnson & Johnson. Japan will provide funding for the project and Australia will help distribute the vaccines in the Indo-Pacific.

What to expect from a quad meeting?

One possible takeaway is an understanding on creating a secure supply chain for semiconductors, which would indicate the alliance is expanding its scope to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. Chinese chipmakers are investing aggressively to increase the capacity of widely used semiconductors. According to Japan’s Nikkei Asia, Quad can say that “flexible, diverse and secure technology supply chains for hardware, software and services” are vital to their shared national interests. The Quad countries may also announce an infrastructure initiative to take on China’s belt. and road initiatives.

What are Modi’s other programs in America?

Modi is expected to hold bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga. The meeting with Biden and Suga will be the first personal exchange that Modi will have with both in their current roles. Modi has met Biden at least twice during his time as the US Vice President in the Obama administration.

What are the issues likely to be discussed in bilateral meetings?

The situation in Afghanistan, China’s territorial war, the Australia-UK-US agreement on nuclear submarines and climate change are some of the potential issues. Senior officials said the need to eliminate radicalism, cross-border terrorism, terrorist networks, strengthen defense and trade ties, and explore cooperation in new and emerging technologies will be on the agenda during talks with Biden, senior officials said. Given Biden’s interest in climate change, his meeting could see some announcements in the area.

What will be included in Modi’s program in New York?

Modi will reach New York on 24 September, where he will be the first speaker at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September. “Building Resilience Through Hope” is one of the themes of the session this year after the pandemic, as is “Reviving the United Nations”. In his speech, Modi is expected to touch upon the regional situation i.e. Afghanistan, cross-border terrorism, global efforts to combat COVID-19, the challenge of climate change and the need to reform the United Nations and other multilateral systems.