On September 21, US President Joe Biden will host the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. This significant meeting will bring together Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan. It marks a pivotal moment as Biden and Kishida prepare to step down from their positions.
Focusing on Key Issues
The summit aims to reinforce strategic alignment among the Quad nations. Leaders will discuss essential areas such as health security, disaster response, maritime security, infrastructure development, emerging technologies, climate change, clean energy, and cybersecurity. These discussions will help advance the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
A Historic Moment
This summit will be the final gathering of the current Quad leaders. Both President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida have announced their plans to step down from office, making this meeting a historic occasion. Biden has confirmed he will not seek re-election, while Kishida has stated he will not pursue re-election as the head of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party.
Enhancing Indo-Pacific Cooperation
In July, foreign ministers from the Quad nations met in Tokyo to discuss strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. They reaffirmed their commitment to a region free from coercion and domination by any single country. This commitment is crucial as the Quad nations work together to ensure a balanced and secure Indo-Pacific.
Expanding Maritime Awareness
A key focus of the summit will be the expansion of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) program. The program, which monitors strategic waters, will now extend to the Indian Ocean. This move is designed to enhance the monitoring and security of vital maritime routes, reflecting the Quad nations’ commitment to regional stability.
Looking Ahead
India is set to host the next Quad Leaders Summit, continuing the dialogue and cooperation among these important nations. As the current leaders prepare to transition, the upcoming summit in Delaware will set the stage for future collaborations and initiatives, ensuring the Quad’s continued influence and impact in the Indo-Pacific region.