PM Modi to begin 3-day US visit tomorrow: What’s on the agenda?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin his three-day visit to the United States starting Saturday (September 21).

The trip will see PM Modi engage in high-level meetings with world leaders, attend the annual Quad summit, and participate in discussions at the United Nations.

Key issues on the agenda include regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and concerns of the Global South. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during his visit:

1. Quad summit in Wilmington, DelawarePM Modi’s US visit begins with the annual Quad summit in Wilmington, Delaware. Modi will join US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday to discuss regional security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

2. Bilateral talks with Quad leadersModi is scheduled for separate bilateral meetings with the other Quad leaders, where discussions will focus on defense, technology collaboration, and strategies to address ongoing global conflicts, including the situations in Ukraine and Gaza.

3. Cancer initiative announcementA significant outcome of the Quad summit will be the announcement of a new initiative to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. The plan aims to tackle the disease’s impact on patients and families, with a broader emphasis on health security and humanitarian assistance.

4. Focus on global conflictsIndia’s role as a potential mediator in the Ukraine conflict will be closely watched. Though no formal proposal is expected, India is involved in ongoing dialogues with global partners, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

5. Addressing concerns of the global southModi is expected to bring attention to the challenges facing the Global South, especially in terms of equitable development, climate action, and the digital divide. This will be a key talking point during his visit.

6. Summit of the future at the UN General AssemblyOn September 23, Modi will address the UN General Assembly at the Summit of the Future, focusing on sustainable development, climate issues, and international cooperation. His speech will likely reflect India’s stance on global conflicts and its approach to bridging development gaps.

7. Roundtable with US tech leadersModi will meet with top executives from major American tech firms to discuss advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductor technology. The roundtable is expected to strengthen technological collaboration between India and the US.

8. Indian community event in New YorkBefore his UN address, Modi will attend an Indian community event at Long Island on September 22, engaging with the Indian diaspora and reinforcing the growing ties between the two nations.

9. Gaza conflict and India’s positionModi is likely to reiterate India’s long-standing support for a two-state solution regarding the Gaza conflict, stressing the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a peaceful resolution for both Israel and Palestine.