Sun Sep 22 10:30:44 UTC 2024: ## Quad Leaders Meet in Delaware, Announcing New Initiatives and Strengthening Partnerships

**Wilmington, Delaware** – The leaders of the Quad group of countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, U.S. President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, met for their sixth summit at Archmere Academy in Delaware on Saturday, September 22, 2024. The summit yielded a series of announcements, including the launch of a new coast guard exercise, a logistics network, expanded maritime surveillance, and a project to combat cervical cancer.

The leaders also emphasized their commitment to strengthening cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, particularly semiconductors, and building a more secure environment in the Indo-Pacific region. They condemned destabilizing actions aimed at altering the status quo by force or coercion, a veiled reference to China’s increasing assertiveness.

**U.S. and India Boost Defense Ties, Welcome Progress on Drone Purchase**

President Biden and Prime Minister Modi highlighted progress towards India concluding the procurement of 31 long-endurance MQ-9B armed drones from General Atomics, a move aimed at bolstering India’s surveillance capabilities along its border with China and in the Indian Ocean region. The two leaders also vowed to increase reciprocal defense hardware supply amid shared concerns about China’s military buildup.

**Antiquities Returned to India**

Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for the U.S. government’s return of 297 stolen or trafficked antiquities to India. This brings the total number of antiquities recovered by India since 2014 to 640, with 578 returned from the U.S. alone.

**U.S. Supports India’s Role in Global Institutions**

President Biden conveyed U.S. support for initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect India’s growing influence, including permanent membership for India in a reformed United Nations Security Council.

**Quad Leaders Emphasize Strategic Alignment**

In a joint statement, the Quad leaders underscored the grouping’s strength and strategic alignment, describing it as a force for good in the Indo-Pacific region. They pledged to continue working together to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

**Biden: China Testing Region**

President Biden, in remarks captured by a hot microphone, asserted that China’s increased military assertiveness is an effort to test the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized that the U.S. views these actions as a change in tactics, not strategy.

The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening the Quad partnership and a shared vision for a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

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