Quad Signals Independence in Choices, Affirms Jaishankar

Quad Signals Independence in Choices Jaishankar: The Quad, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, is a clear message that no one can veto decisions made by like-minded nations. He emphasized that the coalition, comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia, is not a fleeting alliance but one that is committed to growing and contributing to global prosperity. Jaishankar, addressing a think-tank forum, likened the Quad to an “overhead light,” describing it as a creative, flexible, nimble, responsive, and open-minded initiative.

Quad Signals Independence in Choices Jaishankar

The Quad’s primary focus has been on strengthening cooperation to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific in response to China’s growing assertiveness in the region. Jaishankar highlighted that the Quad represents the emergence of a multipolar global order and operates on collaborative principles rather than unilateral actions.

Jaishankar also said that the Quad has five messages, “One — it reflects the growth of a multipolar order; two — it is post-alliance and post-Cold War thinking; three — it is against spheres of influence; four — it expresses the democratising of the global space and a collaborative, not unilateral approach and five — it is a statement that in this day and age, others cannot have a veto on our choices,” he said.

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He noted that the Quad has been facilitated by the evolving Indo-Pacific and emphasized the need for more collaboration in the changing global order. Asserting its longevity and growth, Jaishankar called for making the Quad more contemporary, relevant, and impactful.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong, joining virtually, stated that the Quad advocates for a region free from intimidation and coercion, where competition is managed responsibly and disputes are settled based on international law. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, in a brief video message, stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order.

“For this reason, Japan with its allies and like-minded countries is working to further develop a free and open indo-Pacific based on the rule of law,” she said.

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“Quad is one of the most important initiatives to this end, has steadily implemented initiatives in maritime critical and emerging technologies, cyber and counter-terrorism, initiatives must continue to move forward,” she added.

US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, speaking on behalf of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, highlighted the Quad’s strength in harnessing the capabilities and resources of the four nations to deliver concrete outcomes for the benefit of all in the dynamic Indo-Pacific.

“I want to emphasise the defining feature of our partnership — the Quad stands for an affirmative vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific in which we collectively build the capacity of our allies and partners,” he said.

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“Quad not about forcing the region to choose between strategic competitors, it is about preserving and creating options so that communities, institutions and countries can make decisions to benefit their people,” he said.

Jaishankar further emphasized the centrality of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in the Indo-Pacific, leaving no room for doubt on its significance.

“I think anybody who doubts Asian centrality when they look at a map of the Indo Pacific clearly missed their geography classes in school,” he said.

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