During a highly engaging three-day visit for the Quad Leaders’ Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This summit marked a significant moment for both Biden and Kishida, as it is expected to be their last as leaders of their respective countries.In his address at the summit, PM Modi emphasized that the Quad is not targeted against any specific nation but rather stands for upholding a rules-based international order and the respect for sovereignty. “Our message is clear—Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner, and to complement,” he asserted during his opening remarks. Modi also expressed India’s interest in hosting the next Quad summit. The discussions at the summit, which serves as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, focused on countering China’s influence and activities, particularly in the South China Sea. However, the central theme remained on promoting a stable, rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
A key outcome of the summit was the issuance of a joint statement, known as the Wilmington Declaration. It highlighted the collective commitment of Quad nations to uphold international law. “Anchored by shared values, we seek to uphold the international order based on the rule of law. Together, we represent nearly two billion people and over one-third of global GDP. We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient,” the statement read. This summit underscored the Quad’s growing importance as a global force committed to peace, stability, and shared values in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.