In a series of significant high-level engagements on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with key global allies, US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. These discussions reinforced the momentum of India’s strategic partnerships with these nations, focusing on deepening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors.
India-US Relations: Strengthening a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with US President Joe Biden, hosted in Biden’s hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, underscored the deepening ties between the two democracies. The two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in various areas, including trade, defense, technology, and the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Modi appreciated President Biden’s contributions to advancing the India-US partnership. Reflecting on his State visit to the US in June 2023 and Biden’s attendance at the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in India in September, Modi emphasized the dynamic evolution of the relationship. “India and the US today enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership that covers all areas of human endeavor, driven by shared democratic values, convergence of interests, and vibrant people-to-people ties,” Modi remarked.
The leaders discussed regional issues, particularly focusing on the Indo-Pacific, a region of growing strategic importance for both nations. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability, and security in the region, as well as their strong bilateral cooperation across sectors ranging from defense to economic investments. Both leaders expressed confidence in the resilience and strength of their partnership, emphasizing the crucial role it plays in global stability.
India-Japan Ties: A Farewell Summit with Prime Minister Kishida
In what marked a farewell summit for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as he nears the end of his term on October 1, the two leaders reflected on the remarkable progress made in the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. This partnership, now in its 10th year, has seen significant advancements in defense, security, business-to-business (B2B), and people-to-people (P2P) ties. During their meeting, Modi expressed his gratitude for Kishida’s leadership in elevating the bilateral relationship and ensuring sustained progress in multiple areas of cooperation. The leaders exchanged views on bolstering defense and security ties, recognizing the critical importance of these domains in the current geopolitical climate. They also discussed ongoing collaborations in areas such as infrastructure development and technological innovation.
As Kishida prepares to step down, Prime Minister Modi bid him farewell, wishing him success in his future endeavors. “Our multi-faceted relationship has reached new heights thanks to Prime Minister Kishida’s unwavering dedication. Japan remains a vital partner in ensuring peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” Modi stated.
India-Australia Partnership: Building on Time-Tested Ties
The ninth in-person interaction between Prime Minister Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese since May 2022 also took place on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit. The frequency of these meetings reflects the rapidly growing partnership between the two nations, which spans key areas such as defense, trade, renewable energy, and education. “India greatly cherishes the time-tested friendship with Australia,” Modi shared in a post on X, formerly Twitter, following the meeting. Albanese echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their shared vision of strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in areas like trade, security, space, and cultural exchange. “We seek to add even more momentum in areas like trade, security, space, and culture,” Modi said, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the India-Australia partnership. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, acknowledging the need for further cooperation on global issues such as climate change and the Indo-Pacific security architecture. They renewed their commitment to working together in multilateral forums to address pressing global challenges and advance shared objectives.
Quad Summit: A Platform for Regional Stability
The Quad Leaders’ Summit, hosted by President Biden in Wilmington, also served as a crucial forum for discussions on regional and global security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. The four-member Quad, comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia, has been instrumental in advocating for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. As regional tensions continue to rise, notably due to China’s growing influence, the Quad remains a vital platform for cooperation.
During the summit, the leaders explored new initiatives aimed at boosting cooperation in areas such as maritime security, infrastructure development, and counterterrorism. They also delved into finding peaceful solutions to conflicts, including the ongoing crises in Ukraine and Gaza. As part of their shared commitment to regional stability, the Quad members emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, freedom of navigation, and respect for territorial integrity in the Indo-Pacific.
Prime Minister Modi’s bilateral engagements with President Biden, Prime Minister Kishida, and Prime Minister Albanese reflect India’s growing influence on the global stage and its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with key allies. These meetings have set the stage for deeper cooperation across sectors such as defense, trade, and technology, while also reinforcing the Quad’s vision of a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. As global geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, India’s strategic partnerships with the US, Japan, and Australia will play a critical role in shaping the future of regional and global stability.
