India PM seeks to reinforce alliances in Indo-Pacific on US visit

New Delhi, Sep 22 (EFE).- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for the United States on Wednesday to strengthen his alliances in the Indo-Pacific region, especially under the framework of the Quad, a grouping of India, the United States, Australia and Japan against China’s perceived military ambitions.

“My visit to the US would be an occasion to strengthen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with USA, consolidate relations with our strategic partners – Japan and Australia – and to take forward our collaboration on important global issues,” Modi said in a statement.

During his four-day visit, Modi will have his first meeting with US President Joe Biden to review the global strategic partnership between the two countries, as well as “exchange views on areas of mutual interest.”

Modi will also participate in the first face-to-face summit of the leaders of the Quad, an alliance that came into being in 2007.

During the meeting with Biden and the prime ministers of Australia and Japan, Scott Morrison and Yoshihide Suga, respectively, India looks to “identify priorities for future engagements” based on their “shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region,” Modi said.

According to the statement, the Indian leader also looks forward to meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris – of Indian origin – “explore opportunities for cooperation between our two nations particularly in the area of science and technology.”

Modi will conclude his visit to the US with a speech at the UN General Assembly, which will focus on “the pressing global challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, the need to combat terrorism, climate change and other important issues.” EFE

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