India participated in the first formal official-level discussions conducted under regional coalition known as the ‘Quad’.
What is Quad?
The new quadrilateral formation includes Japan, India, the United States and Australia.
The “quadrilateral” grouping or “quad” aims to contain a rising China and its “predatory” economic and trade policies.
The purpose is also to provide alternative debt financing for countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
What are the areas discussed in the recent meeting?
The quadrilateral talks were held among the visiting leaders of the four nations, who are participating in the 31st ASEAN and the 12th East Asia summits.
The discussions focussed on cooperation based on converging vision and values for promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in an increasingly inter-connected region that the nations share with each other and with other partners.
Views on addressing common challenges of terrorism and proliferation linkages impacting the region as well as on enhancing connectivity was discussed.
Upholding the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and respect for international law, freedom of navigation and overflight; increased connectivity; challenges of countering terrorism and upholding maritime security in the Indo-Pacific were also discussed.
Official sources emphasised that the quadrilateral was not aimed at any other country, and said India was also involved in other similar groupings in the region to deal with security and political issues.
