‘Elevated Cooperation Through Quad’: Antony Blinken Highlights Strengthened US-India Partnership, Focus On Indo-Pacific

In 2023, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the deepening partnership with India and the enhanced cooperation within the Quad, which includes Japan and Australia.

Blinken's comments were part of his end-of-year press availability at the State Department in Washington as reported by Deccan Herald.

He stated, “We’ve deepened our partnership with India. We’ve elevated cooperation through the Quad with India, Japan, and Australia.”

The Quad, comprising the US, Japan, India, and Australia, was formed in 2017 to address China's assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Blinken emphasised the strength of US partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, emphasising continued engagement with China from a position of strength.

He mentioned significant diplomatic initiatives, such as the historic summit with Japan and South Korea and the collaboration with the UK and Australia on nuclear-powered submarines.

Additionally, the US has forged new strategic partnerships with Vietnam and Indonesia, initiated a Defence Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines, and expanded diplomatic presence in the Pacific.

Blinken underscored the alignment of the US with the G7, European Union and other allies in addressing challenges posed by Beijing, emphasising deepening cooperation between North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and Indo-Pacific allies to address issues like coercive trade practices, regional stability, and human rights.

The efforts aim to manage competition, mitigate the risk of conflict, and make progress on global issues, as evident in the recent summit between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.