The upcoming Quad Leaders Summit, scheduled for September 21, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware, promises to bring significant advancements in maritime security, emerging technologies, and global security. Hosted by US President Joe Biden, the summit will see the participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This fourth in-person meeting of Quad leaders since 2021 is expected to result in several key announcements aimed at strengthening cooperation among the four nations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strengthening maritime security and countering China’s influence
A major focus of the summit will be on enhancing maritime security, a crucial area of concern as China continues to assert its dominance in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad nations will discuss expanding the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), a key initiative aimed at improving surveillance and tracking of illegal fishing fleets, which are seen as a growing security threat in the region. The Quad’s commitment to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific has been central to its agenda, and this summit is expected to take concrete steps to bolster these efforts.
“Maritime security will remain a priority as the Indo-Pacific is central to global trade, and any disruption can have wide-reaching impacts,” said a senior US official. The IPMDA has already made progress in facilitating information sharing and real-time tracking, but the Quad aims to further integrate technology to address threats in the region.
Focus on emerging technologies and cybersecurity
Another area of emphasis at the Quad Summit will be emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and high-quality infrastructure. The Quad leaders are expected to announce initiatives to strengthen cooperation in these fields. According to White House National Security Council Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania, Mira Rapp-Hooper, “This year’s Quad Summit will feature ambitious announcements in areas such as health security, humanitarian response, critical technologies, and clean energy.”
The growing role of AI in military and civilian applications has raised concerns about the ethical use of technology. As such, the Quad nations will focus on establishing frameworks to regulate and guide the development of AI, while also enhancing cybersecurity to protect critical infrastructure.
Addressing global crises: Ukraine, Gaza, and beyond
The summit will also tackle ongoing global crises, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Discussions will likely center on how the Quad can play a role in ensuring peace and stability, while upholding international law. India, which has taken a neutral stance on the Ukraine war, is expected to advocate for diplomatic solutions while working with the Quad to address the humanitarian fallout of these crises.
The war in Ukraine has had global repercussions, particularly in terms of energy security and food supply chains, which will also be discussed at the summit. Leaders are expected to explore ways to mitigate the impact of these crises on global markets and ensure that vulnerable regions, especially in Asia and Africa, receive the necessary aid.
Biden’s farewell summit and leadership transition
This Quad Summit holds special significance as it will be the last attended by US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, both of whom are expected to leave office in the near future. Biden has hosted multiple Quad meetings since 2021, marking a renewed focus on the Quad under his administration after a decade of dormancy. Initially conceptualized in 2007, the Quad was revived in 2017 and has since become a key diplomatic platform to address security and economic challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
India was initially set to host the 2024 summit, but scheduling conflicts led to the US taking over as host. India will now host the next Quad Summit in 2025. Biden’s farewell summit will likely reflect on the progress made by the Quad under his leadership, including its role in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific and promoting economic partnership.
Healthcare and “Moonshot” Initiative against cancer
In addition to security and technology, the Quad is expected to launch a groundbreaking healthcare initiative aimed at combating cancer. The “moonshot” initiative will focus on enhancing early detection, treatment, and research collaboration to reduce the global burden of cancer. This initiative reflects the Quad’s broader focus on addressing global challenges beyond security, making the group’s cooperation more comprehensive.
Future of Quad: Expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
Looking ahead, the Quad is expected to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific through increased cooperation in critical infrastructure, climate change, and clean energy. The group’s vision for the region, as outlined in previous summits, is to create a “free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.” The Quad’s commitment to this vision has been evident in its work on building infrastructure, fostering technological innovation, and promoting security cooperation.
As the Quad Summit concludes, observers expect new initiatives and agreements to be announced, reflecting the group’s growing role in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific and addressing global challenges. The leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region, setting the stage for continued Quad engagement in the years to come.
