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Context:
- Quad foreign ministers' meeting was held in Tokyo, Japan and reaffirmed their commitment, common principles, and capacities to preserve and strengthen the international order for the global good.
Takeaways from Quad foreign minister’s meet
India’s stand
- India along with Quad members of Quad expressed its “deepest concern” over the “war raging in Ukraine”, and flagged “respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity” — a clear reference to Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- The External Affairs Minister reaffirmed its “steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, vowing to work towards a region where no country dominates others and each state is free from coercion in all its forms”.
- Minister also said “The overall messaging is that our four countries — all democratic politics, pluralistic societies and market economies — are working together for a free and open Indo-Pacific, for a rules-based order and for global good.”
- The Quad foreign ministers requested India to host the next Quad Leaders’ Summit later this year and the US to host the next Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in 2025.
Commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)
- The four ministers of the Quad held strategic and frank discussions on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and reaffirmed their steadfast commitment toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP).
Adherence to International Law and Opposition to Unilateral Changes
- The four ministers emphasized the importance of adherence to international law for the rules-based maritime order, including in the East and South China Seas, and reaffirmed their strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.
Condemnation of North Korean Missile Launches and Denuclearization Commitment
- Regarding North Korea, the four ministers condemned North Korea’s destabilizing launches using ballistic missile technology in violation of UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, consistent with UNSCRs and urged North Korea to abide by all its obligations under the UNSCRs.
Support for ASEAN Unity and Pacific Island Countries
- On cooperation in the region, the four ministers reaffirmed their unwavering support for ASEAN unity and centrality and for the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
- They also reaffirmed their support for Pacific island countries in line with the objectives of the “2050 Strategy” of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
Promotion of Maritime Security, WPS, and Emerging Technologies
- The four ministers affirmed their commitment and further promotion of concrete efforts including the areas of maritime security, Women, Peace and Security (WPS), critical and emerging technologies, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
Commitment to the UN Charter and Support for UN Reforms
- In addition, the four ministers emphasized again their commitment to the UN Charter and concurred on working on UN reforms, including Security Council reforms. They also discussed the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East among others.
Outcomes from the Quad meeting: The ministered agreed to launch the following:
- the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative that links information fusion centres;
- the Open-RAN (Radio Access Network) to be deployed in Palau;
- a space-based climate warning system to be launched in Mauritius, and
- An off-grid solar project in the Indo-Pacific.
All important aspects of Quad including its formation, challenges, way ahead , etc have been converted in the following article
https://www.iasgyan.in/ig-uploads/pdf/rstv15.pdf
Important articles for reference :
Quad Summit 2023
QUAD in West Asia
Sources:
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PRACTICE QUESTION
Q. Quad represents an important facet of India’s commitment to strategic autonomy in foreign policy. How India's involvement in Quad represents a changing dynamics in the foreign policy of India. Crtically analyse. (250 words)
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