Indian premier holds 'fruitful' 4-nation meeting

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, also known as Quad, will remain an important “pillar of stability” in the Indo-Pacific region, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Friday.

In his opening remarks at the virtual meeting, Modi said, “We are united by our democratic values.”

“[..] our commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Our agenda today, covering areas like vaccines, climate change and emerging technologies -- make the Quad, a force for global good,” he said.

Quad comprises the US, Japan, Australia and India.

Stating that Quad "has come of age", Modi said that it “will remain an important pillar of stability in the region."

In multiple tweets later on Friday, Modi said he had a "fruitful discussion" with US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga at the first summit.

"Reiterated India’s commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific in line with our vision of SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region," he said.

The group also launched a landmark partnership "to ensure accessibility of safe COVID-19 vaccines," he added.

"India’s formidable vaccine production capacity will be expanded with support from Japan, US & Australia to assist countries in the Indo-Pacific region," Modi wrote, adding that the four leaders have decided to have an in-person meeting "either on the margins of a major multilayered meeting or a separate in-person meeting."