QUAD leaders express concerns over situation in East, South China Seas

"We continue to express our serious concern about the militarization of disputed features, and coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea," the statement said.

The statement was issued following the meeting of QUAD leaders Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Wilmington, Delaware.

"We condemn the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, including increasing use of dangerous maneuvers. We also oppose efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploitation activities," the statement said.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his historic visit to Ukraine and his message of peace amid the ongoing war with Russia. The U.S. also reiterated its support for India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

On the backdrop of a historic period that has seen the United States and India reach unprecedented levels of trust and collaboration, Modi and Biden affirmed that the U.S.-India partnership must be anchored in upholding democracy, freedom, the rule of law, human rights, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all as our countries strive to become more perfect unions and meet our shared destiny.