Ajit Karn
On Monday, the United States stated that there are currently no intentions to add new members to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD).
In response to a question from the media about the expansion of QUAD, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, “The Quad was founded two years ago. The Quad is a relatively new organization. There are currently no intentions to accept new members. Members of the quad have concurred that, for the time being, the focus is on consolidating the quad’s many strengths.”
“However, the Quad welcomes opportunities to collaborate with a wide variety of Indo-Pacific partners, such as through its Indo-Pacific partners on maritime domain awareness,” she added.
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is a coalition of four democracies — India, Australia, the United States, and Japan — whose mission is to assure and promote a “free, open, and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.
Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Sydney will host the Quad Leaders’ Summit on May 24, reiterating that it will be an opportunity to collaborate with the United States, Japan, and India.
Regarding the same topic, Pierre stated, “The May 24th Sydney Summit will highlight additional opportunities for the Quad to collaborate in the region on climate, global health, and infrastructure, among other issues. Currently, the Quad’s highest priority is assuring that it is well-positioned to deliver for the Indo-Pacific. Therefore, there are no discussions regarding expansion or extension at this time.”
In May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Australia to participate in the Quad leadership summit.
The announcement was made in March during a joint press conference convened by Prime Minister Modi and his Australian counterpart, who was in India for four days.
“India and Australia are both Quad members. I appreciate Prime Minister Albanese’s invitation to attend the Quad Leaders Summit in Australia in May. PM Modi stated, “I have invited him to India for the G20 summit in September.”
Prior to their upcoming summit in Australia, the leaders of the Quad group have met on four occasions. The group’s significance in the region has grown as a result of its commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic development, as well as the increase in interpersonal connections between Quad members and non-Quad members.
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Multiple times, Prime Minister Modi has emphasized that the Quad is a force for global good and aims to develop the region while safeguarding the interests of all Indo-Pacific region members.
