PM Modi's US Visit: Consolidating Quad Progress And Strengthening Ties

Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of ORF America, highlighted the significance of PM Modi's visit to the US for the Quad Summit, consolidation of past efforts, and the launch of new maritime initiatives. The trip also focused on India’s global diplomatic relations and upcoming US presidential elections.

Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of Observer Research Foundation (ORF) America, stressed the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States for the Quad Summit, which he said was vital for consolidating the progress made by the Quad over the past four years.

Speaking with ANI, Jaishankar mentioned, "I think it was about consolidating a lot that has been done in the past four years by the Quad. That was the main thing. There were a few new initiatives, including the Coast Guard initiative... But largely, I think it was about consolidating those gains."

To bolster maritime security, the US Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard plan to launch a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025 in the Indo-Pacific to improve interoperability. Members of Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard will spend time on a US Coast Guard vessel in the Indo-Pacific. "There was also very good coordination with third countries in regions, including Gaza, Ukraine, Yemen, and the South China Sea," Jaishankar added.

Quad, comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, held the Quad Leaders' Summit on September 21 in Wilmington, Delaware. President Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Modi, and Australian PM Anthony Albanese. In addition to participating in the Quad Summit, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with various leaders, engaged with the Indian diaspora, and addressed the Summit of the Future at the United Nations.

On PM Modi's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Jaishankar noted that "India advocates for peace... India can help facilitate satisfactory outcomes for all sides and has good relations with both Moscow and Kyiv."

Discussing the upcoming US presidential elections, Jaishankar emphasized India's strong ties with both Republicans and Democrats, noting that the relationship with the US is unlikely to undergo significant changes regardless of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins.

"I don't see the relationship fundamentally changing under either Trump or Harris presidency... Both parties are trying to appeal to Indian-Americans as political donors," Jaishankar observed. The US presidential elections are set for November 5.

(With inputs from agencies.)