US President Joe Biden expressed strong support for India’s inclusion as a permanent member of a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during the Quad Leaders Summit on Sunday. This event, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, highlighted the leaders’ commitment to reforming global institutions to better represent significant voices like India’s.
In a joint statement, the Quad leaders emphasized their unified stance on expanding both permanent and non-permanent membership within the UNSC. They described the partnership between the US and India as crucial for fostering a cleaner, more inclusive, and prosperous future for the global community.
President Biden commended India’s prominent role on the international stage, particularly acknowledging PM Modi’s leadership during the G-20 summit and his recent diplomatic visits to Poland and Ukraine. The dialogue surrounding India’s potential UNSC membership is part of broader discussions aimed at updating global governance structures to align with present-day geopolitical dynamics. India, with its sizable population, growing economy, and active engagement in international peacekeeping, has long been an advocate for these reforms.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, particularly in critical maritime routes. The statement noted that India will co-lead the Combined Task Force 150 in 2025, collaborating with Combined Maritime Forces to secure vital sea lanes in the Arabian Sea.
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During the summit, PM Modi underscored the importance of a “free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” He presented various initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges, including partnerships in health security, emerging technologies, and climate change. Modi characterized the Quad as a “force for global good,” dedicated to enhancing cooperation for mutual benefit.
The US and India are also collaborating to expand clean energy manufacturing and bolster technological and industrial capabilities. The Biden administration announced plans to mobilize $1 billion in new multilateral financing through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for clean energy projects in India.
In addition, PM Modi introduced a $7.5 million grant aimed at cancer testing, screening, and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative is part of India’s ‘One Earth, One Health’ vision, which seeks to leverage India’s healthcare expertise to support areas like radiotherapy and capacity building.
The two nations also reported progress in technology and defense cooperation. Their Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) continues to strengthen ties in key sectors, including semiconductors, with plans for a new fabrication plant backed by India’s Semiconductor Mission and partnerships with US companies.
Furthermore, defense collaboration has deepened, featuring joint projects such as the co-development of unmanned surface vehicle systems by Liquid Robotics and Sagar Defence Engineering.
