New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday participated in the third India-Australia-Japan-USA Quad ministerial meeting with his counterparts Australia Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The Ministers highlighted their shared attributes as political democracies, market economies and pluralistic societies. They recognised that the changes underway in the world make a strong case for their countries working closely together. It was important for the international community that the direction of changes remains positive and beneficial to all.
EAM Jaishankar took to Twitter and said, "Just concluded the Quad Foreign Ministerial Meeting with Australia, Japan and US. Our positive agenda underlines our shared commitment to the global good. Discussed contemporary challenges, especially the impact of Covid-19."
The Ministers emphasised their commitment to upholding a rules-based international order, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in the international seas and peaceful resolution of disputes, a statement from India's external affairs ministry read.
The productive exchange of views on regional issues included a reiteration of their common vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, with clear support for ASEAN cohesion and centrality. It was noted that the Indo-Pacific concept had gathered growing international support, including in Europe, MEA started.