PAVING THE WAY FOR A STRATEGIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL FUTURE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States for the QUAD summit marks a major diplomatic milestone as India prepares to host the 2025 edition of the event. With the United States, India, Japan, and Australia forming the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), the meeting serves as a strategic platform to address global challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. As tensions with China rise, the focus on strengthening partnerships, enhancing security, and fostering technological cooperation is more critical than ever.
What is the QUAD?
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, better known as the QUAD, is a strategic forum designed to promote peace, security, and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Consisting of the US, India, Japan, and Australia, the QUAD has taken on new importance as these nations collaborate to counter growing Chinese assertiveness, particularly in the South China Sea.
Biden’s Legacy in Institutionalizing the QUAD
President Joe Biden’s role in institutionalizing the QUAD has been a hallmark of his foreign policy agenda. This summit could be seen as one of his final moves to solidify the QUAD as a permanent feature of global diplomacy. With both Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida likely attending their last QUAD summits, the meeting serves as a key opportunity for both leaders to showcase their commitment to this strategic alliance.
As India is set to host the 2025 summit, Modi’s leadership in the coming years will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of this multilateral forum.
Strengthening the US-India Strategic Partnership
India and the United States have steadily deepened their strategic ties, with this QUAD summit providing an opportunity to enhance cooperation in key areas such as defense, technology, and trade. The bilateral talks between Modi and Biden are expected to focus on furthering this strategic partnership, which is essential for countering common challenges like security threats and technological dependencies.
In addition to defense cooperation, the discussions will center on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology. These sectors are not only crucial for economic growth but also hold the potential to transform industries, create jobs, and position both nations as leaders in innovation.
Semiconductors: A Critical Focus
The global shortage of semiconductors has highlighted the urgency of building resilient supply chains, and India’s role in this ecosystem is becoming increasingly important. With PM Modi expected to meet with US-based tech CEOs during his visit, discussions around semiconductor manufacturing will likely take center stage.
By strengthening its semiconductor industry, India can reduce dependency on global supply chains and ensure its leadership in sectors such as electronics, defense, and telecommunications. This collaboration is essential for employment generation and aligning with Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India.
Medical Equipment: Ensuring Health Security
As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of advanced medical equipment remains a priority. Collaborations between India and the US in the field of medical technology will lead to breakthroughs that can improve healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas. This focus on health security will not only save lives but also position India as a global leader in manufacturing medical equipment for both domestic use and export.
Quantum Technology: Shaping the Future Economy
One of the most transformative technologies that will be discussed at the summit is quantum computing. Quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize industries by solving complex problems that traditional computing systems cannot address. Its impact will be felt across all major sectors—from healthcare and finance to defense and energy.
Quantum computing will allow for faster drug discovery in healthcare, optimize supply chains in manufacturing, enhance cybersecurity with quantum encryption, and accelerate scientific research. For India, investing in quantum technology is essential to positioning itself as a global hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. Partnerships with the US, Japan, and Australia in this field could lead to groundbreaking developments that benefit not only these nations but the global economy as a whole.
Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow
The theme of the 2023 QUAD summit, “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow,” underscores the importance of collaborative approaches to address global challenges. From security concerns in the Indo-Pacific to technological cooperation, the QUAD nations are working together to ensure a stable, rules-based international order.
Amid growing Chinese belligerence in the South China Sea, the QUAD’s commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific is vital. Interestingly, China has recently shifted its rhetoric, claiming that “China and India are not against each other.” However, India remains cautious, especially in light of unresolved border disputes such as the Galwan clash. While China may speak of mutual cooperation, India will likely maintain its firm stance on national security and sovereignty.
Global Diplomacy: Modi’s Role in Peace Talks
PM Modi’s role in global diplomacy extends beyond the QUAD summit. His unique position as a leader who maintains positive relations with major global powers allows him to contribute to ongoing peace efforts, such as those concerning the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Gaza conflict. Although peace cannot be achieved overnight, Modi’s efforts at fostering dialogue and diplomacy will be closely watched.
Addressing the Indian Diaspora: A Diplomatic Highlight
One of the most anticipated aspects of Modi’s visit is his address to the Indian diaspora in the US. Over 24,000 members have signed up to attend the event at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Indian diaspora, a vibrant and influential community, plays a crucial role in strengthening ties between the US and India. Modi’s outreach to this community will be a key moment of the visit, further solidifying the bond between the two nations.
Trade, Employment, and Youth Empowerment
Modi’s meetings with CEOs of leading US companies will explore opportunities for enhancing trade relations, youth empowerment, and employment generation. From AI and biotech to semiconductors, these industries are essential for both economic growth and technological advancement in India.
Eyes on Modi: Global Peace and Indo-Pacific Stability
As Modi takes the stage at the QUAD summit, the world will be looking to India’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Will India take a firmer stance on issues like China’s aggressiveness, or offer solutions for long-standing conflicts such as those in Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza? Additionally, Modi’s potential meetings with former US President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will be watched closely, as they could influence future diplomatic relations.
Setting the Agenda for the Future
PM Modi’s visit to the QUAD summit is a critical moment for India’s global strategy. From advancing technological innovations in semiconductors and quantum computing to deepening defense and economic partnerships, India’s role as a global leader is becoming more pronounced. As India prepares to host the 2025 QUAD summit, this visit will set the stage for the country’s continued rise on the global stage, cementing its role in shaping the future of diplomacy, security, and technology in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
The author is the CEO of Griffin Publication