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The upcoming 4th QUAD Summit, hosted by President Joe Biden in his hometown of Delaware, signifies the importance of the alliance to the US administration. Biden's personal approach to diplomacy, as highlighted by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships with key partners. The summit, bringing together the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan, serves as a platform to discuss shared concerns and opportunities within the Indo-Pacific region.
While the QUAD is often perceived as a counterbalance to China's growing influence in the region, Sullivan emphasizes its non-military nature and its focus on cooperation across various sectors, including health, technology, and infrastructure. However, the geopolitical context surrounding the summit cannot be ignored. One key topic of discussion will be Russia's war in Ukraine, with the US expected to urge India to take a stronger stance against Russia's actions. Biden's eagerness to hear from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding his recent trip to Ukraine and China's increasing activities in the region underscores the urgency of these discussions.
Since its virtual launch in 2021, the QUAD has fostered deeper collaboration on issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and cybersecurity. The upcoming summit aims to build on this momentum with new initiatives, including a 'QUAD Cancer Moonshot' program designed to bolster resources and capacity for cancer research and treatment. The alliance is also expanding its Indo-Pacific maritime capabilities, enhancing regional security and disaster response mechanisms. The announcement of a QUAD Coast Guard program and the expansion of the QUAD Fellows program to include participants from Southeast Asia further solidify the alliance's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation.
The Biden administration's efforts to establish a bipartisan QUAD Caucus in the US Congress highlight the importance of securing long-term legislative support for the alliance. This approach aligns with Biden's broader foreign policy strategy, which emphasizes moving beyond bilateral relationships to form robust multilateral alliances. The administration believes that by strengthening these alliances, the US will be in a stronger global position moving forward.
While the QUAD's focus is on cooperation, the geopolitical context surrounding the summit, particularly China's growing influence, is undeniable. However, Sullivan reiterates that the QUAD is not directed at China, and each member country maintains its own diplomatic relationship with China. The upcoming summit will be closely watched as the QUAD evolves under Biden's leadership, shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific region.
Source: Modi And Biden To Discuss India-China Border Situation