iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The Quad, a diplomatic network of four countries — the U.S., India, Japan and Australia — that is committed to supporting a free and open, stable, prosperous, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific, has become an important group in geo politics.
As the group turned 20 recently, the U.S. Department of State reflected back on the partnership which has lasted two decades and stated that the Quad is committed to working together in responding to the future needs of the region.
“Twenty years ago, in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Australia, India, Japan, and the United States came together in service to the people of our region for the first time as the grouping now known as the Quad. The tsunami was one of the worst disasters in history, claiming the lives of nearly a quarter million people and displacing 1.7 million across 14 countries. Together our four countries contributed over 40,000 emergency responders, working with other partners across the Indo-Pacific region to support millions of people affected by the catastrophe. We honor the memories of those no longer with us and recognize the survivors and the families of those who were lost,” it said.
The statement said that the Quad’s foundational commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief remains strong. “We continue to work side-by-side to prepare for and respond quickly and effectively to disasters across the region. In 2024, our four countries collectively supported disaster preparedness and life-saving relief efforts across the Indo-Pacific, and we continue to build on those efforts to identify new ways to respond rapidly to humanitarian crises and disasters.”
While it began as an emergency response to a catastrophe, Quad has now grown into a full-fledged partnership delivering positive outcomes for the people of Indo-Pacific region. “Quad countries now work together and with partners across the Indo-Pacific to address complex challenges, from fighting climate change, cancer, and pandemics, to bolstering quality infrastructure, maritime domain awareness, STEM education, counter-terrorism efforts, critical and emerging technologies, and cyber security. Since 2021, the Leaders of our four nations have met annually to drive the Quad’s positive contributions across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific,” it said.
The statement said Quad shares a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous, underpinned by effective regional institutions. “We reaffirm our unwavering support for ASEAN’s centrality and unity as well as mainstreaming and implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. We respect Pacific-led regional architecture, foremost the Pacific Islands Forum. We are also steadfast in our support for the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the region’s premier organization.”