Sun Sep 22 04:50:50 UTC 2024: ## Quad Leaders Gather in Delaware for Farewell Summit, Focus on Indo-Pacific Cooperation and Cancer Moonshot

**Wilmington, Delaware (September 22, 2024)** – Prime Ministers Narendra Modi of India, Fumio Kishida of Japan, and Anthony Albanese of Australia met with U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday for a farewell Quad Leaders’ Summit. This marked the final summit for both President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida, whose terms are ending soon.

The summit, hosted at President Biden’s home in Wilmington, focused on strengthening Indo-Pacific cooperation and addressing pressing global challenges. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order, respecting sovereignty and ensuring a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

A key highlight of the summit was the announcement of a joint “Cancer Moonshot” initiative, aimed at eliminating cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan pledged to provide medical equipment and technical cooperation, while Australia announced increased funding for the elimination partnership.

In addition to the Cancer Moonshot, the leaders discussed enhancing maritime domain awareness and cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. The Quad also reiterated its support for United Nations Security Council reform, advocating for expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership.

**Bilateral Talks:**

President Biden and Prime Minister Modi held an “extremely fruitful” bilateral meeting, discussing ways to enhance cooperation in clean energy, manufacturing, and defense. The two leaders also welcomed progress in space exploration, including a joint NASA-ISRO mission to the International Space Station in 2025.

**China Concerns:**

President Biden, in off-the-record remarks caught by a hot mic, expressed concerns about China’s increasing military assertiveness in the region, calling it a “change in tactic, not a change in strategy.”

**India’s Role:**

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing role of the Quad and emphasized its commitment to assisting and partnering with other countries in the region. He also expressed India’s willingness to host the Quad Summit in 2025.

The summit concluded with a joint declaration, reiterating the Quad’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The leaders emphasized that the Quad is “a force for good” that delivers “real, positive, and enduring impact” for the region.

**Looking Ahead:**

The Quad summit showcased the growing importance of the grouping in addressing regional and global challenges. The leaders’ commitment to cooperation and a rules-based order sets the stage for a continued partnership in the years to come.

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