The United States has strengthened its alliance with India and heightened collaboration within the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. During a press briefing at the end of the year, Blinken emphasized the ongoing commitment to standing "shoulder-to-shoulder" with partners who share the vision of a "free, open, prosperous, and secure world."
Blinken highlighted the robust partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the deepened collaboration with India and the elevated cooperation through the Quad, which includes Japan and Australia. The Quad, an informal strategic forum, aims to foster a free, open, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
This year, the Quad Summit took place in Hiroshima, hosted by Australia on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit. Leaders reiterated their unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is both inclusive and resilient. The 2024 Quad Summit, originally planned for India on January 27, has been postponed due to scheduling conflicts among member countries.
To further enhance Indo-Pacific partnerships, Blinken mentioned the United States' collaboration with the UK and Australia to develop nuclear-powered submarines. Additionally, the U.S. has initiated comprehensive strategic partnerships with Vietnam and Indonesia, a Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines, trilateral initiatives with the Philippines and Japan, and the establishment of new embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga.
Blinken underlined the increased alignment of the United States with the G7, the European Union, and other allies in addressing challenges posed by Beijing. The U.S. is closely cooperating with NATO and Indo-Pacific allies to tackle concerns such as China's coercive trade practices, economic policies, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and human rights issues. The collaborative efforts aim to enable more effective engagement on various fronts, fostering stability and addressing shared concerns.
(With Agency Inputs)
Read also| Netanyahu Assures Blinken: 'Nothing will stop us from crushing Hamas'
Read also| Blinken Visits Israel, Focusing on Urging Truce Ceasefire Extension
