The Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, a group of four countries – US, Australia, India, and Japan) on Saturday endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘not an era of war’ comment in its joint statement.
The four leaders US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and PM Modi issued a joint statement after the meeting. The statement mentioned ‘not an era of war’ comment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which he had made to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in September 2022 during a SCO summit.
The joint statement said, “In this context, today we express our deep concern over the war raging in Ukraine and mourn its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. We recognise its serious impacts on the global economic system including on food, fuel and energy security and critical supply chains. We will continue to render humanitarian assistance to Ukraine for its recovery. Conscious that ours must not be an era of war, we remain committed to dialogue and diplomacy,” while expressing deep concern about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
It also vowed to remain committed to strengthening cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
“We welcome the work of IORA as the Indian Ocean region’s premier forum for addressing the region’s challenges. We recognise India’s leadership in finalising the IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (IOIP) and express our support for its implementation. We thank Bangladesh for its term as IORA Chair and commit to working with Sri Lanka and India as they assume the roles of IORA Chair and Vice Chair respectively this year,” added the statement.
They reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.
“As Indo-Pacific countries, Quad partners are deeply invested in our region’s success. Harnessing our collective strengths and resources, we are supporting the region’s development, stability, and prosperity through the Quad’s positive, practical agenda. Our work is guided by regional countries’ priorities and responds to the region’s needs. We are and will continue to be transparent in what we do. Respect for the leadership of regional institutions, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), is and will remain at the centre of the Quad’s efforts,” read the statement.
The Quad Leaders’ Vision Statement issued today sets out the shared vision for the Quad and the Indo-Pacific region.
“We continue to support the objectives of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and commit to working with partners, including through Partners in the Blue Pacific, to support engagement with these objectives. We welcome the 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation and the US- Pacific Island Forum meeting, both to be held in Papua New Guinea in coming days,” added the statement.
