Why Does India Value the Quad as a Key Forum for Indo-Pacific Discussions?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Quad is a crucial forum for discussions among India, Australia, Japan, and the US.
- India hosted the inaugural Quad Ports of the Future Conference in Mumbai, focusing on port resilience.
- 120 delegates from 24 countries attended the conference.
- The Quad Initiative aims to enhance maritime connectivity and infrastructure.
- India is set to host the next Quad Leaders' Summit.
New Delhi, Nov 7 (NationPress) India reaffirmed its view that the Quad is a vital forum for dialogue among the four nations on matters of mutual concern in the Indo-Pacific region.
During a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized that the Quad -- comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the US -- is making consistent advancements.
"We regard the Quad as a significant platform for dialogue among the four partners on topics of mutual interest in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad is progressing steadily. Just recently, during India Maritime Week in Mumbai, we hosted the Quad Ports of the Future Conference on October 29 and 30, which saw participation from nearly 24 nations, including the four Quad partners. Approximately 120 delegates attended the conference,” Jaiswal remarked.
Last month, India was the host for the inaugural Quad Ports of the Future Conference in Mumbai, featuring panel discussions focused on fostering a shared Quad vision for resilient, secure, and future-ready ports, as noted by the MEA.
"India organized the first Quad Ports of the Future Conference, engaging 120 delegates from 24 Indo-Pacific partners. Thematic discussions revolved around enhancing a shared vision for resilient, secure, and future-ready ports — strengthening collaboration on infrastructure, financing, regulatory frameworks, workforce development, technology, digital ecosystems, cybersecurity, and sustainability," Jaiswal shared on X.
A statement from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways highlighted that the Quad Initiative aims to enhance modern and resilient port infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific.
"This initiative seeks to leverage the Quad’s collective expertise to coordinate, share information, exchange best practices, and mobilize both governmental and private investments into quality port infrastructure. The partnership aims to enhance maritime connectivity, logistics resilience, and quality infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific, utilizing the Quad's combined resources and institutional knowledge," it stated.
India is set to host the next Quad Leaders' Summit, with dates yet to be confirmed.
The Quad unites four nations — India, Australia, Japan, and the US — committed to acting as a force for global good and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific that is both prosperous and resilient.