External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the pivotal role played by the Trump administration in enhancing the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.
During a session, Jaishankar noted that the Quad has become a dynamic framework for like-minded nations to collaborate on global challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Contributions of the Trump Administration
Jaishankar acknowledged that the Trump administration played a very important role in changing the Quad from a dialogue format into a vigorous partnership.
This partnership now includes high-level ministerial meetings and a focus on collective security, economic resilience, and emerging technologies. The Quad now stands as a testimony to strategic partnerships meant to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Indian Perspective for Quad’s Future
Jaishankar emphasized the need for continuity, saying India will stand firmly on Quad no matter what administrations are on the other side. He mentioned that India continues actively following up on Quad agenda issues such as vaccine delivery, climate change actions, and enhanced regional security architecture.
Expansion of the Quad: An Emergence of World Partnerships
The Quad has remarkably increased in scope, illustrating changing definitions of its role as a lynchpin for addressing global issues. Jaishankar stressed the Quad’s increased emphasis on vital issues like connectivity and infrastructure, maritime security, and technological partnerships.
An example of this is the group’s efforts in developing reliable and sustainable quality infrastructure projects across the Indo-Pacific to counter other powers’ predatory lending concerns.
In addition, the Quad’s potent moves range from fighting against cyber threats to creating supply chain resilience and promoting innovation in key sectors such as Artificial Intelligence and semiconductors. It has demonstrated readiness to provide regional and global safety without self-identifying as a military bloc.
Significance of U.S. Support
Jaishankar again underscored the need for durable U.S. backing as critical for the Quad’s success.
Acknowledging the contributions of the Trump administration, he was confident that the Biden administration’s bipartisan support would continue for the initiative, thereby ensuring continuity in inviting its strategic outlook.
The inter-party consensus further indicates that the Quad has acquired significance for advancing the shared democratic values.
In that respect, India, as a central member, continues to push for a joint effort within a Quad to ensure the Indo-Pacific is a zone for peace, stability, and prosperity, which is increasingly becoming the focal point of global geopolitics.
With increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, mainly stemming from China’s assertive policies, the evolution of the Quad has gained plenty of attention. Jaishankar reiterated that the Quad has no military objective, emphasizing that it endeavors to foster cooperation on shared priorities and not to be any kind of alliance against a particular country.
