*Washington D.C., September 21, 2024* – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Quad Summit on Saturday, emphasized that the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is not directed against any nation, but is committed to upholding a rules-based international order and respecting the sovereignty of all countries. The summit, hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden, was also attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Modi stated, “The Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner, and to complement.” He underscored that the grouping’s primary focus is to promote a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, a message reiterated without naming any specific country. Although not directly addressed, the backdrop to this statement includes China’s contested territorial claims in the South China Sea and East China Sea, where it asserts sovereignty over vast areas. Several countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Taiwan, have counterclaims, making the region a hotspot for geopolitical tensions.Prime Minister Modi noted the significance of Quad’s cooperation amid global challenges. “At a time when the world is surrounded by tensions and challenges, the Quad’s collaborative efforts, rooted in democratic values, are crucial for the well-being of the entire human race,” Modi said.Reflecting on the evolution of the Quad, he recalled the first Quad Summit held in 2021 under President Biden’s leadership. “In such a short time, we have expanded our cooperation in unprecedented ways, in every direction,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for the commitment and leadership of the Quad partners.The Quad’s agenda, which focuses on shared values of democracy, rule of law, and a peaceful Indo-Pacific, continues to expand, tackling pressing global issues such as maritime security, climate change, technology cooperation, and regional stability.