The meeting is taking place amid growing global concerns over China’s growing military might in the Indo-Pacific region.
In the meeting, the leaders are expected to review progress made since their first virtual summit on March 12 this year and discuss regional issues of common interest, according to a statement issued by the government.
As part of their ongoing efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, they will also review the Quad Vaccine Initiative, which was announced in March this year.
PM @narendramodi will visit USA for a high level segment of the 76th session of the Quad Leaders Summit and th… https://t.co/acSXOQtgWt
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“They will also exchange views on contemporary global issues such as critical and emerging technologies, connectivity and infrastructure, cyber security, maritime security, humanitarian aid/disaster relief, climate change and education. The summit is a valuable venue for dialogue and dialogue. The leaders will be anchored in their shared vision of ensuring a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region,” the statement said.
PM Modi He had earlier visited the US in September 2019 when former President Donald Trump hosted him for the grand ‘Howdy, Modi’ event.
This will be PM Modi’s second foreign visit this year after his two-day visit to Bangladesh in March.
In March, President Biden hosted the first summit of the Quad leaders in virtual format.
At the meeting, the leaders vowed to strive for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, inclusive, bound by democratic values, and unrestricted by coercion, sending a subtle message to China.
In November 2017, India, Japan, the US and Australia gave shape to the long-pending proposal to establish the Quad to develop a new strategy to keep important sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence.
Chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan
The quad meeting will come as Biden’s image has been tarnished over the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
US officials have said ending America’s longest war would allow the administration to divert resources and attention to dealing with China-related issues.
Senator Bill Haggerty, a Republican and former US ambassador to Japan, welcomed the plan to host the Quad leaders.
“The debacle of Biden’s return to Afghanistan makes India’s neighborhood more dangerous and raises valid questions for Japan and Australia as well, so it’s good that we host Quad Partners soon,” he said on Twitter. “We must repair and renew our alliances, and that’s important.”
PM Modi to address UNGA
During his US visit, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to address the general debate of the high-level segment of the 76th session. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on 25 September.
The theme of this year’s general debate is ‘Building resilience through hope of recovering from COVID-19, rebuilding sustainably, responding to the needs of the planet, respecting people’s rights and revitalizing the United Nations’.
(with inputs from agencies)
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