President Biden hosted a significant meeting with leaders from Australia, Japan, and India in Wilmington, which may be the last gathering of the Quad partnership during his presidency. An awkward moment arose when Biden snapped at a staffer while introducing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting his challenges in public speaking at 81 years old. Despite the gaffe, the summit focused on Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative aimed at addressing cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific through the “Wilmington Declaration.” The next Quad Summit is set to take place in India in 2025, highlighting ongoing regional cooperation.
President Joe Biden recently hosted a significant meeting with leaders from Australia, Japan, and India in Wilmington, reportedly the last gathering of the Indo-Pacific partnership formed during his presidency. The atmosphere lightened momentarily when Biden had an awkward interaction with a staffer just before introducing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This incident occurred as Biden was wrapping up his speech at the Cancer Moonshot event, where he emphasized the urgency of addressing cancer through international collaboration.
Caught on camera, the president, known for his public gaffes, asked, “Who am I introducing next?” after a brief pause. Once the staffer prompted him to proceed, Biden jokingly continued and welcomed PM Modi to the stage. Despite the initial tension, the two leaders shared a light moment as they embraced, helping to ease the atmosphere.
The meeting aimed to advance Biden’s initiative to combat cancer, focusing particularly on cervical cancer, which claims many lives in the Indo-Pacific region. Alongside PM Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attended, marking the importance of the Quad alliance in countering China’s influence in the area.
Following their discussions, the leaders issued the “Wilmington Declaration,” reaffirming their commitment to a free, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. The next Quad Summit is planned for 2025 in Mumbai, India, promising continued collaboration among these pivotal nations.
Tags: Joe Biden, Quad Summit, Narendra Modi, Cancer Moonshot, Indo-Pacific, international relations
What did Joe Biden say before introducing PM Modi?
Joe Biden mistakenly asked, “Who’s next?” before introducing Prime Minister Modi.
Why is this phrase considered a faux pas?
The phrase “Who’s next?” can sound like he’s not sure who he’s introducing, which is unusual for a leader.
How did people react to Biden’s comment?
Many found it awkward, and it sparked discussions online about how presidents should address important guests.
Has Joe Biden made similar mistakes before?
Yes, he has had moments where he misspoke or seemed a bit confused, which can happen to anyone.
Why does this matter in a big meeting?
A mistake like this can affect the formality and smoothness of high-level events, especially when international leaders are involved.
