US-India Summit Focuses on Ukraine, China, and Indo-Pacific Dynamics

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan underscored key topics for the upcoming Biden-Modi summit, including the Ukraine conflict, China's regional actions, and strengthening the Indo-Pacific region's free and open agenda. The meeting will review QUAD's progress and future objectives amid current geopolitical developments.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Saturday outlined the primary issues expected during President Joe Biden's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sullivan noted that among the key focus areas would be the ongoing Ukraine conflict and India's stance on Russia and China. He emphasized the US perspective that Russia's aggression in Ukraine violates international laws and norms.

Sullivan highlighted the importance of countries like India supporting sovereignty and territorial integrity while refraining from supplying war materials to Russia. "I won't go too deep into the specifics of what President Biden will say on these sensitive and critical matters, but the US has consistently maintained that Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine violates international norms and principles. We believe nations, including India, should support sovereignty and territorial integrity and should refrain from aiding Russia's war efforts," Sullivan stated.

Furthermore, Sullivan confirmed that the leaders would also address China's actions in the Indo-Pacific. "They will discuss how they view China's actions in the region and broader issues beyond security, including economic and technological aspects," he said. When asked about the Quad's focus on China, Sullivan reiterated that the Quad's aim is to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. He noted that the summit would review Quad's achievements and outline future goals for the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs mentioned that the Quad Summit provides an opportunity for leaders to assess progress and set the agenda for assisting Indo-Pacific nations in achieving their development goals. The first Quad Summit was held virtually in 2021, followed by several in-person meetings, the latest being in Hiroshima, Japan, on May 20, 2023.

(With inputs from agencies.)