PM Modi To Engage With Quad Leaders And Attend UN 'Summit Of Future' During US Visit: Foreign Secretary

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a three-day visit to the US starting September 21 to attend the annual Quad Summit and address the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the UN General Assembly.

Addressing a special MEA briefing here, Misri said the trip will include significant bilateral and multilateral engagements. PM Modi will also address a gathering of the Indian community in New York on September 22 during his three-day visit. During the visit, Modi will interact with the Indian diaspora and hold meetings with Indian and industry leaders.

Quad Leaders’ Summit

The Prime Minister’s first stop will be in Delaware, President Biden’s home state, on September 21, where he will participate in the Quad Leaders’ Summit and a bilateral meeting, followed by the Cancer Moonshot event.

On September 22, Modi will engage with the Indian community in New York and participate in a technology roundtable, as well as separate meetings with CEOs and heads of state. That same day, he will address the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly. Misri mentioned that several aspects of the visit are still being finalised and noted that India agreed to swap the hosting of the Quad Leaders’ Summit at the request of the US.

On Donald Trump

When asked if PM Modi will meet former US President Donald Trump during his upcoming US visit, Misri said,”…There are many meetings with the Prime Minister right now which we are trying to fix. Right now, I will not be able to tell you about any specific meeting, whether the meeting has been fixed or not. We are looking from all angles as to how much time we have and with whom we can hold meetings. We will keep updating you about the meetings.”

Speaking on Tuesday at his first public appearance following the recent apparent assassination attempt, Trump said Modi will meet him next week when he is in the US. “So when India, which is a very big abuser. He (Modi) happens to be coming to meet me next week, and Modi, he’s fantastic. I mean, fantastic man. A lot of these leaders are fantastic,” Trump said, reiterating that India imposes heavy tariffs on imports.

On Ukraine

When asked if PM Modi will meet Ukrainian President Zelensky during his US visit and if any side has requested a meeting, the Foreign Secretary Misri said, “I’m not aware of a request at this particular time, in so far as these bilateral meetings are concerned. As I said, we are still finalizing the exact agenda of the bilateral meetings.”