Context
The four members of the Quad have stepped up their efforts to ensure security across the Indo-Pacific and to build alternative and resilient supply chains against the backdrop of China’s increasingly assertive actions across the region.
Key-highlights of the discussion
- India, Japan, United States and Australia discussed several issues like
- open and inclusive Indo-Pacific
- the need for safe, effective and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines
- The four countries reiterated their commitment to a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific based on shared values and principles and respect for international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
What is Quad?
- The Quadrilateral Security Dialogueis also known as the Quad or Asian NATO.
- It is an informal strategic forum between the United States, Japan, Australia and India.
- It is maintained by semi-regular summits, information exchanges and military drills between member countries.
- The forum was initiated as a dialogue in 2007 by then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan.
- India, Australia, US and Japan, formed the “quadrilateral” coalition on November 12, 2017.
What is the main aim behind its formation?
- It was formed with the aim to counter China’s aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.
