Amid the hallowed halls of Washington, DC, the White House shone a spotlight on Wednesday, accentuating the substantial advancements achieved by the Quad Alliance in the preceding triennium. A keen emphasis was placed on the imperative to sustain this momentum throughout 2024, particularly as India takes the helm during its host year.
During a press briefing, the White House press secretary, Karine Jean Pierre, expounded on the forthcoming commemoration of the Quad, articulating President Biden’s pride in the trajectory and the collective vision for an unshackled, expansive, and thriving Indo-Pacific.
“I posit this: the president harbors immense pride for the strides made by the Quad over the past three years. As you rightly pointed out, the anniversary looms, and we aspire to perpetuate this impetus in 2024, especially under India’s stewardship, as you articulated. Our discussion extends beyond the United States to encompass India, Japan, and Australia, all of us sharing a vision for an untrammeled, open, and flourishing Indo-Pacific,” Pierre conveyed.
Comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, the Quad aspires to bestow tangible advantages across pivotal sectors in the Indo-Pacific region. “The Quad is instrumental in delivering tangible benefits to the Indo-Pacific across numerous critical and vital sectors. Anticipate the continuation of this progress for the Quad in 2024 and beyond,” she appended.
Pivoting towards the I2U2 initiative, Pierre reiterated its pivotal significance and President Biden’s profound dedication to propelling inventive, comprehensive, and science-driven resolutions. This initiative endeavors to tackle challenges related to food and energy security, space endeavors, water conservation, waste management, and various other undertakings. The I2U2 Consortium comprises India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
“I2U2 retains pivotal importance, and the president is resolutely committed to sustaining it. This involves our collaboration among the four nations and extending further through inventive, comprehensive, and science-driven measures to progress—not just enhance—food and energy security, space operations, and other ventures. The strides extend to projects concerning water conservation, waste management, and other domains,” she affirmed.
Pierre stressed the ongoing priority of I2U2, dispelling any insinuation that it has taken a backseat. “A robust future awaits I2U2. We eagerly anticipate sustaining this partnership, which has not receded in significance. It remains a focal point of our endeavors.”
Addressing apprehensions surrounding the H1B visa procedures, Pierre underscored recent measures implemented by the administration to refine the system. She highlighted the publication of a final rule pertaining to H1B visas by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last month. “In scrutinizing the H1B visa process, we have enacted measures to enhance and rectify the process and statutes for lawful permanent residents eligible to embark on the journey towards US citizenship.
Merely a month ago, as part of our endeavors to fortify the integrity of our immigration system and diminish the potential for malfeasance, DHS promulgated a final rule regarding H1B visas,” expounded the White House press secretary.
According to Pierre, these alterations seek to foster more equitable and just outcomes while reinforcing the integrity of the immigration system and curbing the potential for deceit. “These modifications advocate for fairer and more equitable outcomes. Our commitment to refining the system within our legal purview endures as a paramount concern.
For specific details on the actions we have taken, I would direct you to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. We approach this matter with utmost seriousness and continue to exert every effort to refine the visa process,” she concluded.