Russia-Ukraine Conflict on the Agenda for PM Modi's US Visit

Prime minister Narendra Modi will visit the united states from september 21 to 23, marking his first trip in his third term. This visit is significant as it will address bilateral issues, the Quad alliance, concerns from the Global South, and the ongoing war in Europe, particularly following his recent visits to russia and Ukraine.

While the visit will be brief, it is packed with engagements including roundtables and bilateral meetings. Notably, PM Modi will not be visiting Washington, D.C., nor will he address the high-level UN General assembly (UNGA) session. Instead, he will start in Wilmington, Delaware, where President Joe Biden will host a Quad Leaders' meeting. Since 2022, Modi and Biden have engaged in multiple multilateral events, including one virtual summit.

Key events and Highlights
PM Modi is scheduled to meet with Biden, Japan's prime minister Kishida, and Australia's prime minister Albanese on the final day of the Quad Summit. A special cancer Moonshot event will also take place on the sidelines.

A major community event, “Modi & US,” will occur at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, expected to attract over 24,000 indian Americans, far exceeding its 15,000 capacity.

On september 23, PM Modi will address the Summit of the Future at the UN, where he is likely to emphasize the needs of the Global South and discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Foreign Secretary vikram Misri highlighted that this visit encompasses important bilateral, plurilateral, and multilateral aspects.

Quad Summit Significance
The Quad Summit is a key focus, having faced delays since january due to the electoral calendar in both india and the US. This summit is particularly notable as it may serve as a farewell event for both President Biden and prime minister Kishida, who has announced plans to step down.

The agenda will cover health and security, climate change, emerging technologies, infrastructure connectivity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism. Leaders will review the previous year's progress and set future goals. The joint statement from the Quad may reflect each member’s views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly since PM Modi is the only leader in the group who has visited both countries.

Bilateral Talks with Biden
During his visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral discussions with President Biden, expected to lead to new agreements, including frameworks on the Indo-Pacific and drug policy. They will also review the comprehensive strategic partnership, which spans numerous sectors. Recent tensions related to an alleged assassination plot against Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun are likely to be addressed to clear up misunderstandings.

Areas of cooperation, particularly in defense—such as the procurement of MQ-9B Predator drones and co-production of GE F414 engines—will also be discussed, alongside the situation in Ukraine.

Summit of the Future
At the Summit of the Future, PM Modi will discuss global issues, especially those affecting the Global South, echoing themes from a summit he held in August. He may also address the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The agenda includes potential bilateral meetings with other leaders, such as Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and possibly Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus, though confirmations are pending.

Speculation on Meetings with US Leaders
There is ongoing speculation regarding whether PM Modi will meet former President Donald Trump. However, some suggest that if such a meeting occurs, it might necessitate a balancing meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris, which could be challenging given PM Modi's tight schedule. Foreign Secretary Misri declined to comment on this possibility.
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Balasahana Suresh

21/09/2024 08:56 AM