Quad vows to work vigorously towards free, stable Indo-Pacific
The Hindu
Quad nations reaffirm commitment to free, open, peaceful Indo-Pacific amid China's military muscle-flexing, focusing on disaster relief and regional challenges.
India and other Quad member-nations on Tuesday (December 31, 2024) reaffirmed the grouping's steadfast commitment to work towards a free, open and peaceful Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military muscle-flexing in the region.
Foreign Ministers of the member nations of the grouping pledged in a joint statement commemorating the 20th anniversary of "Quad cooperation".
India, the U.S., Australia and Japan came together 20 years ago to extend assistance in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, and that coalition subsequently took form of the Quad.
In the last few years, the Quad has rolled out a number of initiatives addressing some of the most pressing needs and challenges of the Indo-Pacific region, including in areas of maritime security, infrastructure and connectivity.
India is scheduled to host the next Quad Summit that is likely to take place in the second half of 2025.
The Foreign Ministers of the four nations said the Quad would work together in responding to the future needs of the Indo-Pacific.
"As four partners, we share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable and prosperous, underpinned by effective regional institutions," the joint statement said.
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