Quad has assumed an important place on the world stage: PM Modi at Quad Leaders’ Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Japan on Tuesday, attended the second in-person Quad Summit along with Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, President of the United States Joe Biden and the newly elected Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese.
Hailing the dedicated leading partnership, anchored in the shared values and commitment to the principles of democracy, international law, and rules-based international order with a vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, PM Modi said, “Today the scope of Quad has become broader and the format has become effective. Our mutual trust, our determination, is giving new energy and enthusiasm to the democratic forces.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing the Quad Leaders meeting in Tokyo.
Speaking at the Summit, PM Modi underpins the development and prosperity achieved by the joint collaboration of the Quad countries amidst the circumstances undertaken by COVID-19. “In spite of the adverse circumstances of COVID-19, we have increased coordination in many areas such as vaccine-delivery, climate action, supply chain resilience, disaster response and economic cooperation. This is ensuring peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” PM Modi added.
In his inaugural address, PM Modi also extended his congratulatory wishes to the newly elected PM of Australia, Anthony Albanese. “Your presence amongst us 24 hours after taking the oath reflects the strength of Quad friendship and your commitment towards it,” PM Modi added.
QUAD Fellowship launched:
Besides, on the sidelines of the summit, the powerful grouping also launched the first-of-its-kind Quad Scholarship program with the aim of flourishing and fostering the game-changing minds from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by providing them best of platforms.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi said, “I encourage our students to apply for the Quad Fellowship programme and join the next generation of STEM leaders and innovators building a better future for humanity.”
Announced during the first-in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit in Washington on September 24, 2021, the fellowship will sponsor 100 exceptional minds (students)- 25 from each Quad country- seeking master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Upon selection to the Quad fellowship, the top 100 fellows elected will join the leading STEM graduate universities in the United States. The fellowship will also develop a network of experts committed to advancing innovation and collaboration across sectors.
According to the data available, “Schmidt Futures, a philanthropic initiative, will operate and administer the fellowship program in consultation with a non-governmental taskforce, comprised of academic, foreign policy, and private sector leaders from each Quad country.”
Application dates and deadlines for Quad fellowship:
An application for the same is currently open, and students seeking to enroll themselves can apply till June 30, 2022.
All the related academic expenses (for e.g. tuition, research, fees, books, room and board) of the 100 selected fellows will be covered under a one-time award of $50,000 to be granted to them.
