Indian PM Modi to meet Quad leaders at Biden summit in US

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the US to attend the first-ever in-person Quad Leaders Summit hosted by US President Joe Biden.

PM Modi would be participating in the Leaders' Summit of the Quadrilateral Framework in Washington and his US, Japanese, and Australian counterparts on September 24, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said. The Indian PM is also scheduled to address the General Debate of the High-Level Segment of the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 25 in New York.

The theme for this year's General Debate is 'Building Resilience through hope to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the planet's needs, respect the rights of people, and revitalise the United Nations.

As part of their ongoing efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, PM Modi and US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and their Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga will review the Quad Vaccine initiative.

Meanwhile, the United States is in touch with India regarding the over-the-horizon capabilities and plans, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress.

In the aftermath of the Afghanistan withdrawal and evacuation, the White House has promised the American people an "over-the-horizon" strategy to fight any transnational terrorism threats emanating from Afghanistan.

When asked whether the Biden administration has reached out to India as a possible staging area for future over the horizon forces capabilities, Blinken said that the Biden administration is deeply engaged with India.

"Let me just say generally, Congressman; we're deeply engaged with India, across the board, with regard though to any specifics about over the horizon capabilities and the plans that we put in place, it will continue to put in place."
Green appreciated Blinken's reply saying: "I am glad to at least know that there's an opportunity to talk."

(ANI)