The newly elected US President Joe Biden addressed Indian PM Narendra Modi and said ‘great to see you’, during the first QUAD Leaders’ summit on Friday. President Biden’s greeting was acknowledged by Prime Minister Modi and with a smile the Indian PM said, “It feels good to be among friends. The meeting of the leaders of the biggest world leaders took place virtually.  

The moment also marked the first meeting between US President and India PM after the former took the oath of the Presidency in January. It should be noted that PM Modi had a brief telephonic conversation with the US President around the regional issues including China-face off were conversed about. Other than Modi and Biden, the meeting also saw the Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga, and Australian PM Scott Morrison taking part.  

The Indian PM took to Twitter and shared how the meeting was productive and fruitful.  

The QUAD group of nations- USA, India, Japan and Australia- are a part of a regional alliance to counter China’s growing economic and military hold. The leaders of the nations discussed the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccinations efforts around the pandemic, and a ‘free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific-region’.   

During the virtual meeting, PM Modi said the nations will be working together for advancing their shared values and to promote a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. “Today’s summit meeting shows that QUAD has come of age. It will now remain an important pillar of stability in the region,” PM Modi added. 

Prime Minister started the meeting with, “Excellencies, we’re united by our democratic values and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Our agenda today covering areas like vaccines, climate change and emerging technology make the QUAD a force for global good. 

During the opening statement, US President Biden acknowledged QUAD’s importance of being a vital area for cooperation among QUAD countries and a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The US President also made a subtle remark about China when he said, “We know our commitments…Our region is governed by international law, committed to all the universal values and free from coercion but I am optimistic about our prospect.” 

“The United States is committed to working with you and with all our allies in the region to achieve stability. This group is particularly important because it is dedicated to the practical solutions and concrete results,” Mr. Biden added 

The US president also said how the QUAD leaders are renewing their commitments towards each other to ensure that the Indo-Pacific region is governed by the International Law. “We’ve got a big agenda ahead of us,” added the US President.  

Meanwhile, Australian President Scott Morrison said how the QUAD leaders are coming together to bring a new dawn in the Indo-Pacific region through their gathering. The Australian PM started his address by folding his hand and greeting ‘Namaste’ to PM Modi and added ‘My fellow Prime Ministers, it’s great to see you.” 

The Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said that with the four countries together in their efforts, he offers his cooperation to bring an open Indo-Pacific region and to make contribution in bringing peace and stability in the region.  

Following the first-ever QUAD Leaders’ Summit, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said how the four countries in question have agreed to pool their resources to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 on the Indo-Pacific region. 

The Foreign Secretary added how the India has complete support of the QUAD group and the vice versa stands true. Mr Harsh touched briefly on the fact that India has become a reliable aid to countries in the global supply of the COVID-19 vaccines and has received appreciation of other leaders for providing vaccines to 70 countries through its Vaccine Maitri initiative.  

Also read: India to supply 45 million made-in-India COVID vaccines to Pakistan under GAVI 

He also revealed that the 4 QUAD leaders will have an in-person meeting in future. “All four leaders decided to have an in-person meeting either on the margins of a major multilayered meeting or a separate in-person meeting. It has to be decided,” said Mr Harsh.  

The news of the four leaders meeting to combat China’s control was revealed. By the Ministry of External Affairs earlier this week. “The Leaders will discuss regional and global issues of shared interest, and exchange views on practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The summit will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security and climate change,” said the press release.   

“The Leaders will discuss ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region,” added the press release.