Quad 2024: India’s Expanding Influence in the Indo-Pacific and Global Partnerships Prime Minister Modi’s U.S. visit marks a critical moment in India-U.S. relations, with significant agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in defense, technology, and trade.
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WASHINGTON DC | DELAWARE: The fourth in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit, hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden at the historic Archmere Academy, once again underscored India’s growing stature in the Indo-Pacific and global landscape. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with the leaders of Japan, Australia, and the U.S., emphasized India’s increasing role in technological innovation, democratic governance, and sustainable development. The summit not only reflected India’s success in balancing bilateral, plurilateral, and multilateral engagements but also highlighted its rising influence as a global power.
One of the landmark initiatives of this summit was the launch of the ‘Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative’ , aimed specifically at tackling cervical cancer. India’s leadership in this effort showcased its growing focus on health diplomacy, particularly through a $7.5 million grant for HPV sampling kits for the Indo-Pacific region. Historically, Japan has led regional efforts in infrastructure investment, but India’s new focus on public health and digital infrastructure positions it as a significant player in a space where its role is expanding far beyond traditional areas of cooperation.
In a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Modi reinforced the importance of both “Vikas” (development) and “Virasat” (heritage). A key achievement was the return of nearly 300 Indian antiquities from the U.S., emphasizing India’s blend of cultural diplomacy with its broader strategic partnerships. While the U.S.-India relationship has primarily been centered on defense and technology, this exchange highlights India’s ability to integrate soft power alongside its hard power capabilities, setting itself apart from the U.S.’s more tech-centric agenda and Japan’s infrastructure-driven approach.
India’s role in semiconductor supply chains was another focal point, with the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to the semiconductor industry. These agreements bolster India’s position in global supply chains, while also addressing concerns over the misuse of technology. Though Japan has traditionally been the technological leader within the Quad, India’s growing expertise in digital public infrastructure is now beginning to shift the technological balance of power. The endorsement of Quad Principles for Digital Public Infrastructure underscored India’s leadership in scalable and cost-effective digital solutions, contrasting with the more expensive, high-tech models championed by the U.S. and Japan.
India’s plurilateral engagements during the summit revealed its strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific. PM Modi’s articulation of the Quad as a “Quick, Unified Assistance Delivery” mechanism reflects India’s emphasis on regional cooperation and stability. In contrast to Japan’s military focus and Australia’s maritime security agenda, India’s holistic approach—focusing on cooperation, capacity building, and disaster response—is setting it apart. The unveiling of the Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission for 2025, designed to improve maritime safety, and the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network initiative, aimed at enhancing disaster response capabilities, exemplify this broader, inclusive approach.
In the realm of sustainable energy and infrastructure, India’s influence continues to grow. India’s $2 million investment in solar energy projects across countries like Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles illustrates its leadership in green energy. This stands in contrast to Japan’s more industrial investments and Australia’s resource-driven strategies. India’s role in the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership further emphasizes its commitment to sustainable development, reinforcing its leadership in addressing climate change and sustainable infrastructure—critical areas that are key to the Indo-Pacific’s future.
India’s bilateral meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese added depth to its regional relationships. The discussion of Japan’s 5 trillion yen investment program and defense cooperation marked a significant strengthening of economic and military ties. As Japan grapples with internal challenges and a changing political landscape, India, with its stable economy and strategic focus, is emerging as a more dependable partner in the Indo-Pacific.
Similarly, Modi’s meeting with Prime Minister Albanese emphasized India’s role in expanding trade under the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), with further talks about a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) underway. This represents a significant shift in regional trade dynamics, as India’s growing economic power steadily challenges Australia’s traditional resource-driven economy. India’s investments in critical minerals, space, and technology mark a new phase in Indo-Pacific economic relationships.
The summit also introduced the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), signaling India’s expanding capabilities in maritime training and regional stability. As geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific intensifies, India’s emphasis on capacity-building and regional training through this initiative provides a counterpoint to Australia’s more defense-oriented approach and the U.S.’s strategic military presence. By focusing on building the capabilities of Indo-Pacific nations, India is establishing itself as a leader in regional maritime security and cooperation.
The Quad Summit concluded with a commitment to future collaboration, with India set to host the next Quad Summit in 2025. The agenda for the coming years will likely focus on reforming multilateral governance systems, such as the United Nations Security Council. India’s call for reforms in global governance reflects its broader ambition for more equitable global frameworks—an approach that differentiates it from the U.S.’s adherence to existing structures and Japan’s more conservative diplomatic stance.
After all, the 2024 Quad Summit marked a milestone in India’s rising influence, both in the Indo-Pacific and on the global stage. Whether through its leadership in technological innovation, health diplomacy, or sustainable development, India is emerging as a multifaceted global power. As the host of the 2025 Quad Summit, India is poised to further redefine the strategic and economic dynamics within the Quad and beyond.
-Dr. Shahid Siddiqui; X @shahidsiddiqui
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