Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States today to participate in the latest Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) summit, marking a crucial moment in India's growing influence on the global stage. Alongside leaders from the United States, Japan, and Australia, PM Modi is set to discuss strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, primarily focusing on countering China's influence and addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The "militarization" of disputed features and "coercive and intimidating maneuvers" in the South China Sea alarmed Quad, according to the Wilmington Declaration released following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday in Biden's hometown.

Beijing has repeatedly defended its actions in the region as defensive, asserting territorial claims that several nations have contested. However, the Quad’s unified stance reflects a deepening alignment on counterbalancing China's expanding geopolitical ambitions.

A senior U.S. official, speaking on the summit's sidelines, said, "The Quad's message is clear: We stand united in defending the principles of sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts." The official also noted that the Indo-Pacific region’s security and stability are "non-negotiable."

In addition to the focus on China, the Quad leaders reiterated their steadfast support for Ukraine, as the conflict with Russia continues to rage. The statement expressed “grave concern” over the “continued violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity” by Russian forces, calling for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops.

For India, countering China’s assertiveness is of particular importance given the ongoing border disputes and trade imbalances. PM Modi has consistently advocated for multilateral efforts to uphold the rules-based international order and safeguard regional security, positioning India as a key player in shaping the Indo-Pacific landscape.

Ahead of the Quad summit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with U.S. President Joe Biden, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to work closely on matters of defense, trade, and innovation. In recent years, the two countries have significantly bolstered their defense cooperation, exemplified by major military deals, joint exercises, and the sharing of critical defense technologies. As India looks to modernize its military, the U.S. remains one of its largest defense partners.

Beyond the Quad summit, PM Modi’s visit to the U.S. presents an opportunity to further strengthen India-U.S. relations. With a growing convergence on economic, technological, and security interests, the two nations have seen a dramatic rise in bilateral cooperation in areas like clean energy, artificial intelligence, and defense production.