External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has highlighted the Quad’s contribution to stability in an uncertain and volatile world.
He said that the four countries are working together for a free and open Indo-Pacific, for a rules-based order and for global good.
Quad Contributing to Stability
“ That by itself is a powerful stabilizing factor in an uncertain and volatile world,’’ he said at a Press conference in Tokyo, on Monday.
“These are challenging times. Whether it is stability and security or progress and prosperity, good things don’t happen by themselves,” he said.
Role Of Trusted Partners
The External Affairs Minister further stressed the role of trusted partners and international cooperation, in accomplishing positive goals.
“The Quad is a great contemporary example of both,’’ he said.
The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative
Jaishankar said, “The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative that came out of Quad today links information fusion centres.”
He also reported success in engaging together with some other countries in this region in furtherance of a shared agenda.
Important Steps
Presenting a readout of the meeting, Jaishankar said that the leaders took some important steps on Monday, in tapping the full potential of the Quad.
He said that the Quad comprising all democratic polities, pluralistic societies and market economies, covers a vast canvas and wants to accomplish more.
16 Working Groups
“ There are 16 working groups and we have just today agreed on more things to do.’’
He added that the HADR conversations are reflected in understandings and SOPs between our Navies.
Accomplishments
The Minister said that the Open-RAN network, is being deployed in Palau.
In addition, a space-based climate warning system will be launched soon in Mauritius.
He added that off-grid solar projects are actually happening in Indo-Pacific islands.
Quad Leaders Working on Closer Coordination
“ All of us are looking at, how to advance Quad, how to resource it better, how to coordinate more closely.”
He observed, “Certainly, meetings such as the one we have just concluded are hugely helpful in giving direction.”
Quad Is Not A Talk Shop
Enumerating accomplishments of the Quad, he said, “This is not a talk shop but a platform that generates practical outcomes.’’
Jaishankar also acknowledged the role of leaders of the Quad member countries in personally leading the Quad’s growth.
Quad Has An Expansive Agenda
He also drew attention to the expansive agenda that the Quad has built in the last few years.
He said that different government agencies and stakeholders beyond them, now regularly interact with each other, to take it forward.
Quad Working In Diverse Areas
He said that the Quad is working in diverse areas including trusted telecom technology and under sea cable connectivity.
The Quad member countries are also cooperating in areas such as humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) and critical and emerging technologies.
Apart from these, they are cooperating in areas such as cyber and health security, climate action and infrastructure.
Quad Covers A Vast Canvas
There is also active cooperation in areas such as capacity building and training, STEM education, maritime domain awareness and counter terrorism.
He expressed satisfaction that the Quad has got deeply and systematically embedded in ”our foreign policies.”
The Minister joined Quad colleagues in thanking Minister Kamikawa Yoko for hosting them.
“And the first cohort of Quad STEM fellowships is passing out and the second one will also cover the ASEAN,’’ he said.
Cooperation In Covid Times
He also highlighted cooperation in Covid times on delivery of vaccines to countries in this region.
Interactive Dynamic Between The Quad And Bilateral And Trilateral Ties
He emphasized the strong interactive dynamic between the Quad and our respective bilateral or even trilateral relationships.
“Progress on one front strengthens the other and thereby, enhances the value of the Quad.’’
How The Quad Began
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), commonly known as the Quad, is a strategic security dialogue between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States.
The Quad began as a loose partnership after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Abe’s Contribution
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was certainly the first to pitch the idea for the formation of Quad in 2007.
First Meeting
The group met for the first time in 2007.
It previously fell dormant for nearly a decade amid Australian concerns that it would irritate China.
Afterward, the group was resurrected in 2017.
South Korea Keen To Join The Quad
Moreover, South Korea is also keen to join the Quad.
South Korean Ambassador to India Chang Jae-bok, said in 2023 that his country would like to be a part of the Quad.
“Korea is already an important partner for all Quad countries. It is entirely on the Quad members to consider including us, ” he said.
