Biden to Host PM Modi in Wilmington as Quad Leaders Strengthen Partnership
US President Joe Biden will welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, and Japanese PM Kishida Fumio for the sixth in-person Quad Leaders Summit at Archmere Academy in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden’s hometown.
This marks the first time Biden is hosting foreign leaders in Wilmington, including an intimate dinner at his private home, reflecting the close personal relationships he shares with each leader and the significance of the Quad alliance.
During the summit, the leaders will launch a key initiative, the Cancer Moonshot, aimed at innovative strategies for cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, with a particular focus on reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region.
Before departing for Philadelphia, PM Modi stated, “I look forward to joining my colleagues for the Quad Summit. This forum is vital for promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. My meeting with President Biden will help us deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership for the benefit of our people and the global good.”
The Quad, a diplomatic partnership among India, the US, Australia, and Japan, emphasizes support for a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific. Together, the Quad nations represent a population of 1.9 billion, 44% of merchandise trade in the region, a combined GDP of $34.8 trillion, and 30% of global foreign direct investment.
India, having rescheduled its turn to host the 2025 summit, continues to expand its strategic and economic ties with its partners. The Biden administration has prioritized elevating and institutionalizing the Quad since its inception at the White House in 2021, with annual summits since.
The upcoming summit will focus on enhancing strategic alignment, advancing a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, and delivering tangible benefits in key areas like health security, disaster response, maritime security, infrastructure, technology, climate, and cybersecurity, as noted by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
The Quad has held eight Foreign Ministers’ meetings and continues to coordinate closely, addressing China’s growing influence in the region while emphasizing sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution.
In a recent briefing, a senior White House official acknowledged that maritime security cooperation among Quad partners has intensified, even if it hasn’t always been in the public eye. Discussions may also touch on developments in Bangladesh as the leaders focus on regional issues.
