QUAD pillar of stability in Indo-Pacific region: PM Modi at first-ever Leaders' Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

At the first-ever QUAD Leaders' Summit, PM Modi told US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga that QUAD members are united by democratic values and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Quad is an important pillar of stability in the Indo-Pacific region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his address at the first-ever QUAD Leaders' Summit. The PM was joined by his American, Australian, and Japanese counterparts Joe Biden, Scott Morrison and Yoshihide Suga, respectively.

Inviting PM Modi to address the QUAD leaders, US President Joe Biden said to him, "It is great to see you."

The QUAD Leaders' Summit on Friday was the first direct interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Joe Biden since the latter became President of the United States of America earlier this year.

"It is good to be among friends. I thank President Biden for this initiative," PM Modi said.

Emphasising the importance of QUAD (Quadrilateral Framework), PM Modi said India, USA, Australia and Japan are united by democratic values and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

We are united by our democratic values, and our commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Our agenda today - covering areas like vaccines, climate change and emerging technologies - makes the Quad a force for global good: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 12, 2021

The agenda for the Summit which covers a wide range of issues such as Covid-19 vaccines, climate change and emerging technologies make "QUAD a force for global good", said PM Modi.

He went on to add, "I see this positive vision as an extension of India's ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which regards the world as one family."

Speaking at the First Quad Leaders’ Virtual Summit. https://t.co/Ypom6buHxS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 12, 2021

The QUAD members will work together, closer than ever before for advancing our shared values and promoting a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the first-ever QUAD Leaders' Summit.

"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 said reiterating India's commitment to safeguarding the interests of QUAD nations.

3 working groups formed among QUAD: Foreign Secretary

Following the success of the first-ever QUAD Leaders' Summit, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said on Friday that all countries have decided to pool their resources.

Proactive efforts are on to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 in the Indo-Pacific, he said.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla went on to add that the QUAD grouping has India's whole-hearted and unstinting support. India is a reliable partner in the global supply chain and received wholesome appreciation from other leaders for providing vaccines to 70 countries under Vaccine Maitri initiative, he said.

Three working groups have been formed among QUAD member nations - Vaccine implementation, Critical Technology and Climate.

Stating that India looks forward to being a part of the three working groups, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said, "These are articles of faith for India."

He also spoke about the QUAD Leaders' Summit held on Friday, saying, "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."

Asked about whether the India-China standoff in eastern Ladakh was mentioned during the QUAD Leaders' Summit, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said all contemporary issues were discussed. "Cannot get into details since the conversation was confidential," he went on to add.

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