“3rd Quad meeting” Focussed on rules-based world order

“3rd Quad meeting” Focussed on rules-based world order

The 3rd meeting of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) of the foreign ministers of India, Australia, Japan, and the USA held virtually. In this third mitting the QUAD countries focused on issues such as countering disinformation, counter-terrorism, maritime security. It also set the priority of strengthening democratic resilience in the broader region.

What are Quad countries?

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an informal strategic dialogue between the United States, Japan, Australia and India that is maintained by talks between member countries. The dialogue was initiated in 2007 by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, with the support of Vice President Dick Cheney of the US, Prime Minister John Howard of Australia and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India.

About the 3rd meeting of Quad

Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs participated in the 3rd India-Australia-Japan-USA Quad Ministerial Meeting held on 18 February 2021 with his counterparts Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The Ministers highlighted their shared attributes as political democracies, market economies and pluralistic societies. The highlighted topics of the 3^rd meeting of Quad group are-

• Covid-19:In the 3^rd meeting the ministers discussed efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic including vaccination programs. They also agreed to cooperate on enhancing access to affordable vaccines, medicines, and medical equipment.
• Myanmar: The Indian and the US statement reflected the difference in the approach to the military coup in Myanmar.

Significance of Quad for India

Quad countries have a same objective, that is counter China’s dominance in the region as well as in the global economy. India has been threatening by China for a long time, which need to counter it. That is why India automatically get an option to counter china with a best foreign policy. Some of them are -

• India has taken a significant turn in its policy for the subcontinent by joining quad grouping.
• It provides New Delhi a powerful platform to advance its interests in East Asia.
• It will deepen India’s ties with the US, Australia, and Japan with benefits in diplomatic leverage and sharing of burden in defense.
• It will also provide India a significant chance in shaping US policies in Afghanistan-Pakistan to the benefit of India.
• It will provide a powerful platform to advance Indian interest in the region and strengthen the Act East policy.
• Foster economic growth with better market adaptation, so it will lead to more employment opportunities in India.
• It helps India and the other three nations to counter China’s OBOR. As India is refused to join OBOR it helps India to connect with other markets like Central Asian and Southeast Asian markets.