Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to the United States, starting September 21, will center on enhancing Indo-Pacific cooperation, pursuing peaceful resolutions for the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, and addressing the concerns of the Global South. This visit signifies a pivotal moment for India as it navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Modi will participate in the annual Quad summit in Wilmington, Delaware, engage in bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden, and speak at the ‘Summit of the Future’ during the UN General Assembly in New York, underscoring India’s growing prominence in global diplomacy.
The Quad summit will be the visit’s first major highlight, bringing together leaders from the United States, Australia, Japan, and India. This crucial meeting will focus on promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, which is vital for global trade and security.
At a pre-visit briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that the summit would introduce “new initiatives” to bolster cooperation across various sectors, including emerging technologies, infrastructure, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance. A key agenda item will be health security, with leaders expected to announce a significant initiative aimed at cancer prevention and treatment.
“The leaders will discuss strategies to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, which is essential not only for the region but for global equilibrium,” Misri highlighted.
Addressing the Ukraine Conflict
Although the Quad summit primarily focuses on Indo-Pacific security, it will also address broader global issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. India has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution, maintaining dialogue with both Russia and Western nations.
“We are engaged in multiple conversations with key partners and leaders,” Misri noted, highlighting India’s commitment to fostering diplomatic engagement in the Ukraine conflict. However, he did not disclose specific outcomes from these discussions. Modi has previously met with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to advocate for peace. India’s careful positioning, avoiding close alignment with either party, has positioned it as a potential mediator.
Regarding the possibility of India proposing a formal peace plan at the UN, Misri stated, “We will assess the level of consensus achieved and determine whether we can reach a point where a proposal can be advanced.”
Gaza and the Middle East Peace Process
Alongside the situation in Ukraine, the ongoing conflict in Gaza is anticipated to be a significant focus of Modi’s discussions. India has consistently advocated for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue. Misri reaffirmed this position, highlighting India’s call for an immediate ceasefire, the establishment of humanitarian corridors, and the release of hostages.
“We have always advocated for a ceasefire, the need for a humanitarian corridor, and the immediate release of hostages,” Misri stated. He stressed India’s unwavering support for peace initiatives in the region, adding, “We favor a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully with secure borders.”
These discussions come at a time of heightened tensions in Gaza, prompting significant international concern. Modi is expected to reaffirm India’s longstanding approach to the Middle East conflict, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and negotiations to resolve the crisis.
Emphasis on the Global South at the UN’s Summit of the Future
Following the Quad summit, Modi will head to New York to address the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the UN General Assembly on September 23. This summit provides a platform for world leaders to tackle pressing global challenges, with a particular emphasis on the Global South—developing countries that often face the most severe impacts of economic and environmental crises.
Misri pointed out that the summit comes at a crucial moment, highlighting the significant challenges confronting the Global South. “There is a clear development deficit globally, and the Global South risks being left behind,” he remarked. Modi’s address is expected to focus on India’s leadership in areas such as climate change, education, digital inclusion, and sustainable development.
“The prime minister will discuss a range of issues including climate, education, youth, gender equality, energy, and infrastructure,” Misri added. Modi is anticipated to underscore India’s commitment to sustainable development and support for Global South nations, advocating for a more equitable global order.
