Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday announced an expansive new plan for an open and free Indo-Pacific, promising billions of dollars in investment to help economies across the region in everything from industry to disaster prevention.

Japan announces $75 billion new plan to counter China in Indo-Pacific

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired the QUAD Foreign Ministers meeting in New Delhi on Thursday. The Foreign Ministers of QUAD member countries have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive and resilient.

Jaishankar hosts QUAD meet on developments in the Indo-Pacific and regional issues

Pitching for strong ties with India, Fiji's Deputy PM Biman Chand Prasad has said that his country would like to "strengthen the relationship, we want a meaningful, deeper engagement".

Pitching for strong ties with India, Fiji's Deputy PM Biman Chand Prasad has said that his country would like to "strengthen the relationship, we want a meaningful, deeper engagement". This is the first high-level visit from Fiji following the formation of the new government under Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in December 2022. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "India is a global power...India provides leadership to the global south and within the Indo-Pacific strategy, India has an important role and Fiji on the other hand is the hub of the Pacific." He also spoke about his country scrapping the recent security pact with China. He explained that his country, "believes in universal values of freedom, democracy, human rights, rule of law, good governance and we are identifying countries that uphold those values" even as he pointed out his country's ties with Beijing which is a "global power, it has its own system, own ways of doing things". During the India visit, he held talks with EAM Jaishankar, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs, Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh and attended the first India Energy Week (IEW) 2023. The visit of Deputy Prime Minister Prasad comes a few days before the 12th World Hindi Conference which will be jointly hosted by India and Fiji in Nadi, Fiji, from February 15-17, 2023. The visiting Deputy PM also lauded his countries' ties with Australia highlighting how "Australia does provide that confidence to many of those pacific island countries in terms of how we can deal with the challenges". Full interview: WION: India Fiji relationship is a relationship which has a historical background, its close relationship and Fiji has an important role in the wider Indo-Pacific as well. With me being the deputy Prime Minister of Fiji to talk about this relationship let me start with how you see this relationship currently, how will you characterize this relationship in the current era at a time when geopolitics is changing so fast? Biman Prasad: Fiji considers India as an old and historical friend, a friend whose values are universal, which beliefs in democracy, human rights, media freedom, rule of law and practice of good governance. The relationship that the current government would like to build is to strengthen the relationship, we want a meaningful, deeper engagement with India. As you said rightly, India is a global power, more so as stated by EAM Jaishankar himself, India provides leadership to the global south and within the Indo-Pacific strategy, India has an important role and Fiji, on the other hand, is the hub of the Pacific. It is one of the most developed economies, can if it wants to, this new govt will do it is to play a much more influential role in the Pacific region. I can tell, our PM Sitiveni Rabuka visited Kiribati. Kiribati had decided through other influences to leave the Pacific island forum, which is the form of political leaders within the region. Kiribati is back in the forum and Fiji play a very important role and strengthening the Indo-Pacific strategy and go economic strategy, Fiji and India with the other three countries --Australia, Japan and US will play an important role. WION: How do you see Fiji's centrality in the Pacific? Biman Prasad: India is a global power, India has a lot to offer, India is the largest democracy, and more importantly India provides a lot of cutting-edge entrepreneurship, and innovation in the whole area of energy, climate change and I saw this in the India energy week summit in Bangalore, the kind of products India is developing is very very interesting. For small island states and many others from the developing world, India can provide that leading role in developing climate-friendly, climate-resilient infrastructure. Contribute to the whole process of decarbonization, looking at alternative sources of energy. WION: There have been worries for Indian origin people in Fiji, there has been a past, how can you assure on that Biman Prasad: Those people who look at the compartmentalization, perhaps get it wrong sometimes. We have a 143-year history in that country, by and large, we had political problems, we had coups, and we had challenges but by and large indigenous community and major other community--the Indo-Fijian community have worked together for 143 years, they get together by and large, do things together and there a leadership commitment especially with this govt to ensure we run very inclusive, open, transparent govt where everybody feels, the philosophy of the new govt is working together in partnership. It is about consultation and dialogue, I don't see any threat, we don't see, we have different ethnic, and cultural practices. In fact the new govt has decided on an indigenous language and Hindi to be a very prominent language. We have just decided that both languages will be allowed to be used in Parliament. So I could go to Parliament and speak in Hindi. So, some of those concerns are misplaced, it is coming from those people who think they can exploit racial sensitivities and challenges and unfortunately that is not the case with this govt. WION: How important World Hindi conference is for your government if you can answer that in Hindi? Biman Prasad: (He answered in Hindi, this is a translation of that) The world Hindi conference that will take place in Fiji is very historic because the Indian-origin people who have settled in Fiji under the girmit process, their language, and culture is linked with India. Hindi is being used in our country for the last 143 years, and Hindi is being taught in schools. While the school system had a few issues, the new govt is giving Hindi and Adivasi languages a priority. World Hindi conference is taking place at an opportune time, a time at which Hindi is being promoted by our Govt. EAM Jaishankar will be travelling to Fiji, other people are coming from India. People from countries with Indian diasporas, like Suriname, Trinidad, Mauritius, and Guyana are also coming. It's a nice thing that we are hosting these meetings. WION: If you can also sum up India-Fiji ties in Hindi Biman Prasad: (He answered in Hindi, this is a translation of that) India and Fiji have historic ties, and our govt will promote that, we believe that India today is a strong nation economically, politically, and strategically. India is a leader, and Fiji, a small country can have a lot of opportunities is we work with your country. This is our agenda and our govt's focus. I am happy, to be in India and my conversations here with EAM Jaishankar and other ministers have been very successful. #WIONExclusive | Fiji considers India an old friend with values that are universal. While Fiji is the hub of the Pacific, India is a global power, and we want to strengthen this relation: Fiji’s Deputy PM Biman Chand Prasad tells @sidhant Watch more: https://t.co/dm7SyC0z2e pic.twitter.com/5K62qqC8Bi — WION (@WIONews) February 9, 2023 × WION: What do you expect from New Delhi in terms of the development partnership, in sectors like health and defence? Biman Prasad: I had a discussion with EAM Jaishankar on a range of issues, which include health, energy, and IT, and India's e-governance program is quite extensive. I have understood the extensive nature of India's e-governance program, and the way in which it has contributed to the efficiency of governance in India has been very good. For sure, India has a lot to offer in that area and that is one area in which Fiji would like to work with India. We believe that Indian eco, which is the fastest growing economy in the world today and it has a lot to offer to the world today. Fiji is an ideal hub, so Indian companies, Indian investment, investors could use Fiji to get into the larger pacific region. PM Modi visited Fiji in 2014, he instituted the India-Fiji cooperation, and the India Pacific island meeting, 2 have taken place--One in 2014 in Fiji, another one in Jaipur and 3rd one in Papua New Guinea. The engagement of the Pacific with India, including Fiji has been on the right trajectory. WION: So the third India Pacific island forum meet is in Papua New Guinea, any month we are looking at. Biman Prasad: It is being planned for this year WION: On defence what kind of cooperation we are looking at? Biman Prasad: Current PM of Fiji, studied in India in a defence college. We have had engagements in the past and I am sure when the honourable EAM is in Fiji, there will be some discussions in those areas as well WION: Fiji has scrapped the security pact with China, what is the reason for that? Biman Prasad: It is simple, we have had historical relations with our traditional partners, and as I said this is the govt that believes in universal values of freedom, democracy, human rights, rule of law, good governance and we are identifying countries those uphold those values. Fiji always had a relationship. China is a global power, it has its own system, own ways of doing things, own challenges. In the Pacific, we have countries, like we have our own diplomatic relationship with China. That is there, our focus, and focus of many pacific island countries who believe in universal values and working with our traditional partners is going to give them confidence to address some of the more pressing issues like impact of climate change, extreme weather patterns, many of these pacific island countries have vulnerable economies, from that point of view. These are the countries who have stood by us, and strengthening relationships with them will be beneficial not only in the short to medium term but also in the long term. WION: You think China will be annoyed by the scrapping of the pact? Biman Prasad: I am not sure of that, not for me to say. Of course, different countries perceive different relationships, and different configurations, where countries place themselves with others. As far as Fiji is concerned, we have said very clearly that our foreign policy, our economic agenda is tied to universal values and tied to idea of free Indo-Pacific region, inclusive Indo-Pacific and region based on some of these principles. That gives us natural affiliation to countries, and India is part of the Indo-Pacific strategic, Fiji is part of that, and we believe that the Indo-Pacific economic strategy will be very very beneficial for the Pacific in the long term. WION: But do you think, Pacific has become the centre of geopolitical tensions with US, China? Biman Prasad: There will always be that kind of tension, that kind of contest for influence. It is up to us in the region, as I said Pacific forum which is the forum for the leaders to discuss some of the fundamental issues. Region is united in the pursuit of a free pacific, free from any kind of influence that will disintegrate into divisions, there have been some attempts in that area but by and large Pacific is united in terms of the Pacific forum. Fiji's PM will provide that leadership and have demonstrated that, and he is a seasoned politician and worked with many of the leaders of the region and leaders beyond the pacific. We are very confident that the current Fijian govt, will further unite the region and provide a solid framework to address some of the fundamental challenges faced by Pacific island countries. WION: But will you agree with the statement that China has been an aggressive force in the Indo-Pacific and is behind lot of problems in your region? Biman Prasad: Well, you can say that I don't know if the term aggressive is a right term is. I think, China is a big country and influences and own ways of doing things but equally important are other countries that are influential. India is a global leader, you have Japan, and Australia. Australia's aid motivation in the Pacific has been very very positive for a very long time. We believe that apart from India, Japan, and the US, --Australia has been at the forefront in terms of the Indo pacific strategy, in terms of the whole Idea-free Indo pacific region. The pacific leaders, we in Fiji have lot of confidence, not only in our relationship with India but also with Australia. Because Australia does provide that confidence to many of those pacific island countries in terms of how we can deal with the challenges, so yes, power will do whatever they have to do but, we have our strategy, our own ways of doing things. WION: Your comments on Indo Pacific, how do you see it as, and role of Japan Biman Prasad: The Indo-Pacific strategy and gathering of the 4 very important countries- India, Japan, US, and Australia, we don't see that as some kind of new grouping. We see them as, more determined, and more organised approaches towards dealing with some of the challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. We believe that there has been a weakening of democracy around the world, within the Indo pacific region and within the Pacific region. Part of the philosophy behind the Indo-Pacific strategy, excites us, we have fought for democracy over the last several years, the government we have now is working towards strengthening democracy, not only in Fiji but beyond Fiji in the Pacific. So, there is a direct link between our objective of a democratic region with what is being offered by Indo pacific leaders, such as countries like India, Japan, US, and Australia. We don't see it as a new thing, but we see it as reconvening of mind, agenda in to making the region more free, democratic, and based on universal values. WION: How does Fiji sees the Quad? Countries are saying Quad is Asian Nato, will you agree with it? Biman Prasad: I don't think Fiji sees it that way, I don't see it that way in an economic point of view. As an economic strategy its a very good grouping, these are our major partners. What they do in terms of crisis, trade, tourism--Australia is our largest source market for tourism, it our largest contributor to budget support and role played during covid, these are exemplary examples of relationship that we build over so many years with these countries including the US. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fiji Deputy PM says India provides leadership to Global South, bats for Indo-Pacific

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, in a meeting on Monday, discussed ways to deepen their bilateral partnership and exchanged views on the global situation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;

During the meeting in Delhi, the two ministers recognised the importance of people-to-people ties in expanding cooperation between their countries and focused on areas such as trade, investment, mobility, education, and security.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/buddhist-ties-strengthen-india-south-korea-diplomacy-559337">Buddhist ties strengthen India-South Korea diplomacy</a>

In a tweet, EAM Jaishankar said, "recognised the centrality of people to people ties to the expansion of our cooperation."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Good discussions today with FM <a href="https://twitter.com/melaniejoly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@melaniejoly</a> of Canada. 
 
Deliberated on deepening our bilateral partnership, focusing on trade, investment,mobility, education and security. Recognized the centrality of people to people ties to the expansion of our cooperation. <a href="https://t.co/2UfXzkLQg0">pic.twitter.com/2UfXzkLQg0</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1622629785406169088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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They welcomed Canada's recently announced Indo-Pacific strategy and appreciated Canadian support for India's upcoming G20 Presidency, which aims to address challenges in economic growth and development.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-a-core-partner-in-the-indo-pacific-says-new-zealand-fm-mahuta-ahead-of-india-visit-559081">'India a core partner in the Indo-Pacific', says New Zealand FM Mahuta ahead of India visit</a>

This was the first visit by&nbsp;Joly to Delhi since taking charge, and it comes after the announcement of Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy last November. The meeting highlights the two countries' commitment to strengthening their bilateral relationship and working together on global issues.

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India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, in a meeting on Monday, discussed ways to deepen their bilateral partnership and exchanged views on the global situation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, in a meeting on Monday, discussed ways to deepen their bilateral partnership and exchanged views on the global situation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During the meeting in Delhi, the two ministers recognised the importance of people-to-people ties in expanding cooperation between their countries and focused on areas such as trade, investment, mobility, education, and security. Also read | Buddhist ties strengthen India-South Korea diplomacy In a tweet, EAM Jaishankar said, "recognised the centrality of people to people ties to the expansion of our cooperation." Good discussions today with FM @melaniejoly of Canada. Deliberated on deepening our bilateral partnership, focusing on trade, investment,mobility, education and security. Recognized the centrality of people to people ties to the expansion of our cooperation. pic.twitter.com/2UfXzkLQg0 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 6, 2023 × They welcomed Canada's recently announced Indo-Pacific strategy and appreciated Canadian support for India's upcoming G20 Presidency, which aims to address challenges in economic growth and development. Also read | 'India a core partner in the Indo-Pacific', says New Zealand FM Mahuta ahead of India visit This was the first visit by Joly to Delhi since taking charge, and it comes after the announcement of Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy last November. The meeting highlights the two countries' commitment to strengthening their bilateral relationship and working together on global issues. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indo-Pacific and Ukraine conflict dominate as India and Canada's FMs meet in New Delhi

The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship, has arrived at Sydney harbour during routine operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

USS Tripoli arrives at Sydney harbour

U.S. allies Australia and Japan agreed to share more sensitive intelligence and deepen their military cooperation as they signed a security pact aimed at countering China's rising military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. 
 
Prime Ministers Fumio Kishida and Anthony Albanese inked the accord at the annual Australia-Japan Leaders' Meeting in the Western Australia capital Perth on Saturday as they updated a 2007 pact, to respond to a changed regional security environment, reported Reuters. 
 
The earlier 15-year-old agreement had been drafted when terrorism and weapons proliferation were the overriding concerns.&nbsp; 
 
“This landmark declaration sends a strong signal to the region of our strategic alignment,” said Albanese, hailing the ‘Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation’. 
Without citing China or North Korea by name, Kishida said the agreement was a response to an ‘increasingly harsh strategic environment’. &nbsp; 
 
In their fourth summit since Albanese took office in May, the two leaders said the agreement would serve “as a compass” for security cooperation for the next decade and agreed to consult and study responses to emergencies that could affect regional security, said an AFP report. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-australia-to-also-investigate-reports-that-china-hired-its-ex-military-pilots-526810">After UK, Australia to also investigate reports that China hired its ex-military pilots</a> 
 
Albanese and Kishida also discussed climate change, and expressed support for a regional transition to net zero carbon emissions, boosting investment in clean energy tech and both countries are committed to net zero by 2050. 
 
Under the bolstered accord, the two countries agreed that their military forces would train together in Northern Australia, and would “expand and strengthen cooperation across defence, intelligence sharing,” reported Reuters quoting Australian officials.&nbsp; 
 
International affairs expert Bryce Wakefield told AFP, Australia and Japan do not have armies of overseas intelligence operatives and foreign informants needed to play in the major leagues of global espionage, but they have remarkable signals and geospatial capabilities -- electronic eavesdropping and high-tech satellites that provide invaluable intelligence on adversaries. 
 
Japan does not have a foreign spy agency equivalent to America's CIA, Britain's MI6, Russia's FSB or Australia's much smaller agency ASIO.&nbsp; 
Wakefield, director of the Australian Institute of International Affairs, said the agreement could have larger significance for Japan by providing it a template to accelerate intelligence ties with countries like Britain. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/60-years-of-1962-indo-china-war-it-wont-be-a-cakewalk-for-the-aggressor-again-527115">60 years of India-China war: It won’t be a cakewalk for the aggressor again</a> 
 
Some even consider the pact to be a key step towards Japan joining the powerful Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance between Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. 
 
“It is an epoch-making event for Japan. This will also strengthen the Quad (Australia, India, Japan and the United States) and is the first step for Japan joining the Five Eyes,” Ken Kotani, an expert in the history of Japanese intelligence at Nihon University told AFP. 
Such a proposition would have been impossible a few decades ago. But events in Japan’s neighbourhood have forced a rethink of the country’s pacifist policies established after World War II, Kotani added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-yen-hits-150-mark-against-us-dollar-worst-since-august-1990-527077">Japanese yen hits 150-mark against US dollar - worst since August 1990</a> 
 
As reported extensively by WION,&nbsp;in recent years, North Korea has repeatedly launched missiles over and around Japan, while China has built the world’s largest navy, revamped the globe’s biggest standing army, and amassed a nuclear and ballistic arsenal right on Japan’s doorstep.&nbsp; 
 
Kishida told reporters that the signing of the updated joint security declaration was one of the biggest achievements of his visit. 
 
“I expressed my determination that all necessary options for the defence of our country, including the counterstrike capability, would be contemplated. Japan’s defence capability will be fundamentally reinforced in the next five years,” he said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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U.S. allies Australia and Japan agreed to share more sensitive intelligence and deepen their military cooperation as they signed a security pact aimed at countering China's rising military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. allies Australia and Japan agreed to share more sensitive intelligence and deepen their military cooperation as they signed a security pact aimed at countering China's rising military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Ministers Fumio Kishida and Anthony Albanese inked the accord at the annual Australia-Japan Leaders' Meeting in the Western Australia capital Perth on Saturday as they updated a 2007 pact, to respond to a changed regional security environment, reported Reuters. The earlier 15-year-old agreement had been drafted when terrorism and weapons proliferation were the overriding concerns. “This landmark declaration sends a strong signal to the region of our strategic alignment,” said Albanese, hailing the ‘Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation’. Without citing China or North Korea by name, Kishida said the agreement was a response to an ‘increasingly harsh strategic environment’. In their fourth summit since Albanese took office in May, the two leaders said the agreement would serve “as a compass” for security cooperation for the next decade and agreed to consult and study responses to emergencies that could affect regional security, said an AFP report. ALSO READ | After UK, Australia to also investigate reports that China hired its ex-military pilots Albanese and Kishida also discussed climate change, and expressed support for a regional transition to net zero carbon emissions, boosting investment in clean energy tech and both countries are committed to net zero by 2050. Under the bolstered accord, the two countries agreed that their military forces would train together in Northern Australia, and would “expand and strengthen cooperation across defence, intelligence sharing,” reported Reuters quoting Australian officials. International affairs expert Bryce Wakefield told AFP, Australia and Japan do not have armies of overseas intelligence operatives and foreign informants needed to play in the major leagues of global espionage, but they have remarkable signals and geospatial capabilities -- electronic eavesdropping and high-tech satellites that provide invaluable intelligence on adversaries. Japan does not have a foreign spy agency equivalent to America's CIA, Britain's MI6, Russia's FSB or Australia's much smaller agency ASIO. Wakefield, director of the Australian Institute of International Affairs, said the agreement could have larger significance for Japan by providing it a template to accelerate intelligence ties with countries like Britain. ALSO READ | 60 years of India-China war: It won’t be a cakewalk for the aggressor again Some even consider the pact to be a key step towards Japan joining the powerful Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance between Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. “It is an epoch-making event for Japan. This will also strengthen the Quad (Australia, India, Japan and the United States) and is the first step for Japan joining the Five Eyes,” Ken Kotani, an expert in the history of Japanese intelligence at Nihon University told AFP. Such a proposition would have been impossible a few decades ago. But events in Japan’s neighbourhood have forced a rethink of the country’s pacifist policies established after World War II, Kotani added. ALSO READ | Japanese yen hits 150-mark against US dollar - worst since August 1990 As reported extensively by WION, in recent years, North Korea has repeatedly launched missiles over and around Japan, while China has built the world’s largest navy, revamped the globe’s biggest standing army, and amassed a nuclear and ballistic arsenal right on Japan’s doorstep. Kishida told reporters that the signing of the updated joint security declaration was one of the biggest achievements of his visit. “I expressed my determination that all necessary options for the defence of our country, including the counterstrike capability, would be contemplated. Japan’s defence capability will be fundamentally reinforced in the next five years,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japan, Australia ink ‘landmark’ security pact to counter China’s military build-up in Indo-Pacific

USA's attempt to kick start the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) may have been dealt an early blow as India walked out of the trade talks. Reportedly, in a statement released after two days of negotiations in Los Angeles, the US side released a statement explaining India's position.

USA's attempt to kick start the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) may have been dealt an early blow as India walked out of the trade talks. Reportedly, in a statement released after two days of negotiations in Los Angeles, the US side released a statement explaining India's position. “India is not now in the ‘trade pillar’. However, minister (Piyush) Goyal and I have been talking and we have our bilateral and trade policy forum. I should be meeting him by the end of this year. We would cover the same issues in that bilateral channel,” said US trade representative Katherine Tai. Stating that doors remained open for New Delhi to join the economic side of the platform, Tai further added, “That question you should pose to minister Goyal. I wouldn’t characterise it as opting out, India is not in the trade pillar right now.” It is pertinent to note that Joe Biden launched the IPEF initiative in May earlier this year. IPEF is an attempt by Washington to bring together Asian countries to counter China's influence in the region. India, Australia, Brunei, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the US are the 14 members of the grouping. Read more: PM Modi to be present at the launch of President Biden's Indo-Pacific Economic framework IPEF features four main focus areas viz. supply chain resiliency, connected economy, clean energy transformation (clean energy, decarbonisation, and infrastructure), and fair economy (anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and tax). While India will be part of three out of the four pillars i.e supply chain, clean economy, and fair economy, it has refrained from joining the connected economy. And this is not the first time that New Delhi has opted out of joining an economic arrangement in a new grouping, In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government took the rather bold approach of not joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) WATCH | India rejects calls to join Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India pulls out of trade talks with US led Indo-Pacific group

Only countries with mindsets "built around spheres of influence" and who are "uncomfortable" with democratic ideas will oppose the concept of a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar said Thursday, indirectly mocking China while emphasising "ASEAN centrality" within the strategic construct.

During a lecture on 'India's Vision of the Indo-Pacific' at Bangkok's prestigious Chulalongkorn University, Jaishankar also stated that the Quad, which includes the United States, India, Japan, and Australia,&nbsp;is the most prominent plurilateral platform that addresses contemporary challenges and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific.

"This is about recognising the realities of globalisation and the consequences of rebalancing. Only those whose mindsets are built around spheres of influence and uncomfortable with the democratisation of world affairs will dispute the Indo-Pacific today," he said.

"We envisage a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region built on a rules-based international order, sustainable and transparent infrastructure investment, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, mutual respect for sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes, as well as equality of all nations," the minister said. 
 
Watch | 'India closely monitoring the docking,' says S Jaishankar on Chinese spy ship Yuan Wang 5

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Jaishankar is currently in Thailand for a two-day visit for the 9th Meeting of the India-Thailand Joint Commission (JCM).

India's interests now lie to the east, beyond the Indian Ocean and into the Pacific, and that "a more collaborative outlook that transcends the orthodoxy of earlier theatres is the need of the day," he added.

During his visit, Jaishankar met his Thai counterpart and deputy prime minister, Don Pramudwinai. He also spoke to&nbsp;Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday.

He also sought to advance the long-delayed India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which he emphasised during his recent visit to Cambodia, as New Delhi plans to extend the highway all the way to Phnom Penh.

The trilateral highway, which is currently experiencing significant delays, will connect Moreh in Manipur to Mae Sot in Thailand via Bagan in Myanmar.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Only countries with mindsets "built around spheres of influence" and who are "uncomfortable" with democratic ideas will oppose the concept of a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar said Thursday, indirectly mocking China while emphasising "ASEAN centrality" within the strategic construct.

Only countries with mindsets "built around spheres of influence" and who are "uncomfortable" with democratic ideas will oppose the concept of a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar said Thursday, indirectly mocking China while emphasising "ASEAN centrality" within the strategic construct. During a lecture on 'India's Vision of the Indo-Pacific' at Bangkok's prestigious Chulalongkorn University, Jaishankar also stated that the Quad, which includes the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, is the most prominent plurilateral platform that addresses contemporary challenges and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific. "This is about recognising the realities of globalisation and the consequences of rebalancing. Only those whose mindsets are built around spheres of influence and uncomfortable with the democratisation of world affairs will dispute the Indo-Pacific today," he said. "We envisage a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region built on a rules-based international order, sustainable and transparent infrastructure investment, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, mutual respect for sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes, as well as equality of all nations," the minister said. Watch | 'India closely monitoring the docking,' says S Jaishankar on Chinese spy ship Yuan Wang 5 Jaishankar is currently in Thailand for a two-day visit for the 9th Meeting of the India-Thailand Joint Commission (JCM). India's interests now lie to the east, beyond the Indian Ocean and into the Pacific, and that "a more collaborative outlook that transcends the orthodoxy of earlier theatres is the need of the day," he added. During his visit, Jaishankar met his Thai counterpart and deputy prime minister, Don Pramudwinai. He also spoke to Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday. He also sought to advance the long-delayed India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which he emphasised during his recent visit to Cambodia, as New Delhi plans to extend the highway all the way to Phnom Penh. The trilateral highway, which is currently experiencing significant delays, will connect Moreh in Manipur to Mae Sot in Thailand via Bagan in Myanmar. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Quad is 'most prominent' platform, says Indian foreign minister in Thailand

Warning that the Indo-Pacific region is at risk of being reshaped by geopolitical factors, China's foreign minister Wang Yi has asked Asian countries to avoid being used as "chess pieces" by major powers.

Highlighting that many countries in the region were under pressure to take sides, Yi said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should insulate it from geopolitical calculations.

With countries in the region now wary of being caught in the middle of US-China rivalry, Southeast Asia has long been an area of geopolitical friction between major powers given its strategic importance.

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Some ASEAN countries are at loggerheads with China due to its claims to almost the entire South China Sea as its territory.

Amid intense Chinese diplomacy that has seen him make a string of stops across the region, Wang's speech comes just days after he attended a G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Bali.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held his first in-person talks since October with Wang on the sidelines of the G20 summit and uphold regionalism in the Asia-Pacific.

Both the US and China have been clashing over Beijing's repeated air missions over the Taiwan Strait.

While the US is required to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself under its US Taiwan Relations Act, China considers Taiwan its "sacred" territory.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Warning that the Indo-Pacific region is at risk of being reshaped by geopolitical factors, China's foreign minister Wang Yi has asked Asian countries to avoid being used as "chess pieces" by major powers.

Warning that the Indo-Pacific region is at risk of being reshaped by geopolitical factors, China's foreign minister Wang Yi has asked Asian countries to avoid being used as "chess pieces" by major powers. Highlighting that many countries in the region were under pressure to take sides, Yi said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should insulate it from geopolitical calculations. With countries in the region now wary of being caught in the middle of US-China rivalry, Southeast Asia has long been an area of geopolitical friction between major powers given its strategic importance. × Some ASEAN countries are at loggerheads with China due to its claims to almost the entire South China Sea as its territory. Amid intense Chinese diplomacy that has seen him make a string of stops across the region, Wang's speech comes just days after he attended a G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Bali. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held his first in-person talks since October with Wang on the sidelines of the G20 summit and uphold regionalism in the Asia-Pacific. Both the US and China have been clashing over Beijing's repeated air missions over the Taiwan Strait. While the US is required to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself under its US Taiwan Relations Act, China considers Taiwan its "sacred" territory. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Indo-Pacific region at risk of being reshaped by geopolitical factors, says China

In a strongly worded response to his American counterpart, China's State Councilor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has said that the strategy of the United States for the Indo-Pacific region is fueling future conflict.

Highlighting that the ties between the two superpowers are at a critical juncture, Fenghe said that is up to the United States to improve the bilateral relationship.

Addressing Asia's premier security meeting, the Shangri-La Dialogue, Fenghe urged the US to stop ''smearing and containing China''.&nbsp;

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Amid soaring tensions with the United States over the island, Fenghe said China will "fight to the very end" to stop Taiwan from declaring independence.

Suggesting at Asia’s premier defense forum that recent Chinese military activity around the self-governing island threatens to change the status quo, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin stressed American support for Taiwan.

He had slammed China's “steady increase in provocative and destabilising military activity near Taiwan.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-lloyd-austin-slams-chinas-destabilising-military-activity-near-taiwan-487110">US Defence Secy slams China's 'destabilising' military activity near Taiwan</a>

Aimed at intimidating it into accepting Beijing’s demands to unify with the communist mainland, China has stepped up its military provocations against democratic Taiwan in recent years.

Although China claims Taiwan as a part of its territory, the two had split during a civil war in 1949. Beijing has warned not to underestimate its resolve to safeguard its national interests and said those who support Taiwan's independence will face adverse consequences.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a strongly worded response to his American counterpart, China's State Councilor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has said that the strategy of the United States for the Indo-Pacific region is fueling future conflict.

In a strongly worded response to his American counterpart, China's State Councilor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has said that the strategy of the United States for the Indo-Pacific region is fueling future conflict. Highlighting that the ties between the two superpowers are at a critical juncture, Fenghe said that is up to the United States to improve the bilateral relationship. Addressing Asia's premier security meeting, the Shangri-La Dialogue, Fenghe urged the US to stop ''smearing and containing China''. Amid soaring tensions with the United States over the island, Fenghe said China will "fight to the very end" to stop Taiwan from declaring independence. Suggesting at Asia’s premier defense forum that recent Chinese military activity around the self-governing island threatens to change the status quo, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin stressed American support for Taiwan. He had slammed China's “steady increase in provocative and destabilising military activity near Taiwan.” Also read | US Defence Secy slams China's 'destabilising' military activity near Taiwan Aimed at intimidating it into accepting Beijing’s demands to unify with the communist mainland, China has stepped up its military provocations against democratic Taiwan in recent years. Although China claims Taiwan as a part of its territory, the two had split during a civil war in 1949. Beijing has warned not to underestimate its resolve to safeguard its national interests and said those who support Taiwan's independence will face adverse consequences. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

US strategy for Indo-Pacific region fueling future conflict: China

Quad leaders launched a number of initiatives at the Tokyo summit, including a marine security collaboration that will allow member nations to track illegal fishing, "black ships," and other tactical-level actions.

“The benefit of this maritime initiative will allow tracking of dark shipping and other tactical-level activities, such as rendezvous at sea, as well as improve partners’ ability to respond to climate and humanitarian events and to protect their fisheries, which are vital to many Indo-Pacific economies,” said the White House in a media statement on the sidelines of Quad Summit.

Dark ships, for example, are vessels that have had their Automatic Identification System (AIS) - a transponder system – turned off so that they are not detectable. This significant maritime accord between the Quad member countries will strengthen the Indo-Pacific region's security system.

Why is illegal fishing regarded as such a serious problem?

Millions of people's livelihoods and food security are jeopardised by unchecked worldwide fishing stock looting.

Fish provides 20% of the typical animal protein intake for around 3.3 billion individuals worldwide. According to an FAO report, the fisheries and aquaculture sectors employ over 60 million people.

While it's difficult to assess the economic loss from illicit fishing, some estimates put it at over USD 20 billion per year. According to the US Coast Guard, illegal fishing has surpassed piracy as a global maritime concern in 2020.

The collapse of fisheries in the Indo-Pacific area, as elsewhere, can destabilise coastal governments and constitute a considerably greater security danger, as it can fuel people trafficking, drug criminality, and terror recruitment.

Why is China on trial?

China was placed as the worst offender in the 2021 IUU Fishing Index, which maps 152 coastal countries.

After overfishing its own waterways, China is blamed for 80 percent to 95 percent of the illegal fishing in the region. To accommodate its expanding domestic demand, it is known to incentivize illegal fishing with substantial incentives.

China's distant-water fishing (DWF) fleet comprises about 17,000 vessels, according to ODI, a global affairs think tank.

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Quad leaders launched a number of initiatives at the Tokyo summit, including a marine security collaboration that will allow member nations to track illegal fishing, "black ships," and other tactical-level actions.

Quad leaders launched a number of initiatives at the Tokyo summit, including a marine security collaboration that will allow member nations to track illegal fishing, "black ships," and other tactical-level actions. “The benefit of this maritime initiative will allow tracking of dark shipping and other tactical-level activities, such as rendezvous at sea, as well as improve partners’ ability to respond to climate and humanitarian events and to protect their fisheries, which are vital to many Indo-Pacific economies,” said the White House in a media statement on the sidelines of Quad Summit. Dark ships, for example, are vessels that have had their Automatic Identification System (AIS) - a transponder system – turned off so that they are not detectable. This significant maritime accord between the Quad member countries will strengthen the Indo-Pacific region's security system. Why is illegal fishing regarded as such a serious problem? Millions of people's livelihoods and food security are jeopardised by unchecked worldwide fishing stock looting. Fish provides 20% of the typical animal protein intake for around 3.3 billion individuals worldwide. According to an FAO report, the fisheries and aquaculture sectors employ over 60 million people. While it's difficult to assess the economic loss from illicit fishing, some estimates put it at over USD 20 billion per year. According to the US Coast Guard, illegal fishing has surpassed piracy as a global maritime concern in 2020. The collapse of fisheries in the Indo-Pacific area, as elsewhere, can destabilise coastal governments and constitute a considerably greater security danger, as it can fuel people trafficking, drug criminality, and terror recruitment. Why is China on trial? China was placed as the worst offender in the 2021 IUU Fishing Index, which maps 152 coastal countries. After overfishing its own waterways, China is blamed for 80 percent to 95 percent of the illegal fishing in the region. To accommodate its expanding domestic demand, it is known to incentivize illegal fishing with substantial incentives. China's distant-water fishing (DWF) fleet comprises about 17,000 vessels, according to ODI, a global affairs think tank. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Quad Summit 2022: Maritime security initiative to track ‘dark shipping’ in Indo-Pacific

The four Indo-Pacific leaders of the Quad grouping have vowed to stand together for a free and open Indo-pacific region, the talks have largely focused on countering China and paving over differences on Russia.

Quad opposes 'change of status quo' in Indo-Pacific region

The Quad nations (US, Japan, India and Australia) are due to unveil maritime initiatiative with an aim to curb illegal fishing in Indo-Pacific, reported the Financial Times quoting a US official.

Experts think this initiative is geared towards containing illegal fishing activity mainly from Chinese boats. Leaders of the Quad countries are going to meet in Japanese capital Tokyo for in-person Quad Summit on May 24.

As per report, the maritime initiative will make use of satellite technology. A tracking system will be set up which will then be used to curb illegal fishing from Indian Ocean to the South Pacific. This will be achieved by connecting surveillance centres in Singapore and India.

US President Joe Biden is visiting Japan to attend the meeting of the Quad group of countries. The Quad countries have increased cooperation in the face of China's growing assertiveness.

According to the Financial Times report, the maritive initiative will enable these countries to monitor illegal fishing even when the boats have turned off the transponders which are typically used to track vessels.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-reports-from-tokyo-quad-leaders-have-some-decisions-to-take-481142">WION reports from Tokyo: Quad leaders to meet under shadow of Ukraine war, China threat</a>

The US-Indo Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell had said earlier this month that United States will soon announce plans to battle illegal fishing in the US.

Several countries in the Indo-Pacific region chafe at China's vast fishing fleet. They say its vessels often violate their exclusive economic zones and cause environmental damage and economic losses.

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The Quad nations (US, Japan, India and Australia) are due to unveil maritime initiatiative with an aim to curb illegal fishing in Indo-Pacific, reported the Financial Times quoting a US official.

The Quad nations (US, Japan, India and Australia) are due to unveil maritime initiatiative with an aim to curb illegal fishing in Indo-Pacific, reported the Financial Times quoting a US official. Experts think this initiative is geared towards containing illegal fishing activity mainly from Chinese boats. Leaders of the Quad countries are going to meet in Japanese capital Tokyo for in-person Quad Summit on May 24. As per report, the maritime initiative will make use of satellite technology. A tracking system will be set up which will then be used to curb illegal fishing from Indian Ocean to the South Pacific. This will be achieved by connecting surveillance centres in Singapore and India. US President Joe Biden is visiting Japan to attend the meeting of the Quad group of countries. The Quad countries have increased cooperation in the face of China's growing assertiveness. According to the Financial Times report, the maritive initiative will enable these countries to monitor illegal fishing even when the boats have turned off the transponders which are typically used to track vessels. Also Read | WION reports from Tokyo: Quad leaders to meet under shadow of Ukraine war, China threat The US-Indo Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell had said earlier this month that United States will soon announce plans to battle illegal fishing in the US. Several countries in the Indo-Pacific region chafe at China's vast fishing fleet. They say its vessels often violate their exclusive economic zones and cause environmental damage and economic losses. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Eye on China? Quad countries to track illegal shipping in Indo-Pacific: Report

In a bid to strengthen alliances to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific, President Joe Biden is hosting Southeast Asian leaders in Washington during the US-ASEAN Special Summit. Activists are urging him to address human rights concerns in the region and democratic backsliding, including the 2021 coup in Myanmar.

WION-VOA Co-Production: Biden hosts ASEAN leaders to counter China in Indo-Pacific

US President Joe Biden has made energy and security pledges worth $150 million to Southeast Asian leaders during a summit in Washington.

Aimed at countering the rising influence of China, the deal is part of a campaign to show that the United States still prioritises Asia despite months of intense focus on repelling Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Biden met with representatives from Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines on Thursday to highlight that Washington remains focused on the Indo-Pacific and the long-term challenge of China, which it views as the country's main competitor.

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Indonesian President Joko Widodo said, "I hope this meeting can build momentum for the return of the US presence in the region."

Biden's administration is working on an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and in a step towards that direction, the new financial commitment includes a $40 million investment in infrastructure intended to help decarbonise the region's power supply and $60 million in maritime security.&nbsp;

According to Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, "The US should adopt a more active trade and investment agenda with ASEAN, which will benefit the US economically and strategically."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jan-6-capitol-attack-us-committee-subpoenas-5-republican-congress-members-in-unprecedented-move-478490" hreflang="en">Jan 6 Capitol attack: US committee subpoenas 5 Republican Congress members in unprecedented move</a>

The US Centers for Disease Control in Hanoi is also working on a project to test for emerging respiratory diseases in urban Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

Previously, China had utilised its debt trap tactic to pledge $1.5 billion in November last year for assistance in development to ASEAN countries over three years to fight COVID and fuel economic recovery.

Economic powerhouses of Asia are connected through the water bodies around the South China Sea, among the busiest in the world, and are facing territorial disputes with an increasingly assertive Beijing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden has made energy and security pledges worth $150 million to Southeast Asian leaders during a summit in Washington. Aimed at countering the rising influence of China, the deal is part of a campaign to show that the United States still prioritises Asia despite months of intense focus on repelling Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden has made energy and security pledges worth $150 million to Southeast Asian leaders during a summit in Washington. Aimed at countering the rising influence of China, the deal is part of a campaign to show that the United States still prioritises Asia despite months of intense focus on repelling Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Biden met with representatives from Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines on Thursday to highlight that Washington remains focused on the Indo-Pacific and the long-term challenge of China, which it views as the country's main competitor. Indonesian President Joko Widodo said, "I hope this meeting can build momentum for the return of the US presence in the region." Biden's administration is working on an Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and in a step towards that direction, the new financial commitment includes a $40 million investment in infrastructure intended to help decarbonise the region's power supply and $60 million in maritime security. According to Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, "The US should adopt a more active trade and investment agenda with ASEAN, which will benefit the US economically and strategically." Also read | Jan 6 Capitol attack: US committee subpoenas 5 Republican Congress members in unprecedented move The US Centers for Disease Control in Hanoi is also working on a project to test for emerging respiratory diseases in urban Southeast Asia. Previously, China had utilised its debt trap tactic to pledge $1.5 billion in November last year for assistance in development to ASEAN countries over three years to fight COVID and fuel economic recovery. Economic powerhouses of Asia are connected through the water bodies around the South China Sea, among the busiest in the world, and are facing territorial disputes with an increasingly assertive Beijing. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

US President Joe Biden makes energy, security pledges worth $150 million to Southeast Asian leaders

China's Vice Foreign minister accused the US of bringing NATO-style expansionism to the Indo-Pacific. He claimed that such policies could push the Indo-Pacific into the abyss. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: China's latest warning on the Indo-Pacific

Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defence has issued a media clarification about recent defence agreements it has signed with India that neither side has officially announced.

"The recently signed maritime security pacts with the Government of India will neither result in hindrance nor threat to the national security of Sri Lanka, as misinterpreted by several print and electronic media," said a press release by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence.&nbsp;

Even though both the floating dock and the Dornier aircraft have been discussed bilaterally for some time, their signing a fortnight ago was not officially confirmed until Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankan-navy-air-force-to-train-on-indian-navys-advanced-light-helicopter-466398">Sri Lankan Navy, Air Force to train on Indian Navy's Advanced Light Helicopter</a>

"The receipt of Floating Dock Facility from the Government of India at no cost has been projected to reduce the annual outlay of Rs. 600 million for outsourced docking repairs and this proposal has been in the pipeline since year 2015."

Reconnaissance aircrafts like the Dornier are mainly used for maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and delivering information to various platforms.&nbsp;

"The unavailability of this capability was the motive for bilateral dialogues between the Governments of India and Sri Lanka during the last couple of years and it was agreed upon to provide one Dornier Reconnaissance Aircraft to Sri Lanka free of charge."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-india-to-build-hybrid-power-plants-in-sri-lanka-china-pushed-aside-466599">Watch | India to build hybrid power plants in Sri Lanka, China pushed aside</a>

Since the beginning of this year, India has provided $ 2.4 billion in assistance to Sri Lanka to help it cope with its economic collapse.&nbsp;

As of January, India has also signed several key bilateral agreements with Sri Lanka, including joint development of the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farms and three major power projects in the north and east with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and the Adani Group, among other agreements on maritime security.

The assistance India is providing Sri Lanka for better maritime security is consistent with its own efforts to boost Indian Ocean security, regional cooperation, and intelligence sharing, as was underscored at the NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defence has issued a media clarification about recent defence agreements it has signed with India that neither side has officially announced.

Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defence has issued a media clarification about recent defence agreements it has signed with India that neither side has officially announced. "The recently signed maritime security pacts with the Government of India will neither result in hindrance nor threat to the national security of Sri Lanka, as misinterpreted by several print and electronic media," said a press release by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence. Even though both the floating dock and the Dornier aircraft have been discussed bilaterally for some time, their signing a fortnight ago was not officially confirmed until Tuesday. Also read | Sri Lankan Navy, Air Force to train on Indian Navy's Advanced Light Helicopter "The receipt of Floating Dock Facility from the Government of India at no cost has been projected to reduce the annual outlay of Rs. 600 million for outsourced docking repairs and this proposal has been in the pipeline since year 2015." Reconnaissance aircrafts like the Dornier are mainly used for maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and delivering information to various platforms. "The unavailability of this capability was the motive for bilateral dialogues between the Governments of India and Sri Lanka during the last couple of years and it was agreed upon to provide one Dornier Reconnaissance Aircraft to Sri Lanka free of charge." Watch | India to build hybrid power plants in Sri Lanka, China pushed aside Since the beginning of this year, India has provided $ 2.4 billion in assistance to Sri Lanka to help it cope with its economic collapse. As of January, India has also signed several key bilateral agreements with Sri Lanka, including joint development of the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farms and three major power projects in the north and east with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and the Adani Group, among other agreements on maritime security. The assistance India is providing Sri Lanka for better maritime security is consistent with its own efforts to boost Indian Ocean security, regional cooperation, and intelligence sharing, as was underscored at the NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan defence ministry's 'clarification' reveals two defence pacts with India

A senior Chinese diplomat has said that the US's Indo-Pacific strategy is as “dangerous” as NATO's eastward expansion in Europe resulting in Russia's military offensive against Ukraine.

QUAD as dangerous as NATO expansion, warns Chinese official

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar refused to draw parallels between China's aggression in the Indo-Pacific and Russia's build-up in Europe. What is the rationale behind India's strategy? How have Moscow and Washington responded to it? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India walks Ukraine tightrope

Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to France during which he will attend EU Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amid Chinese assertiveness in the region.

Indian EAM S Jaishankar on a 3-day visit to France to attend EU forum on Indo-Pacific

The United States has vowed to step up its efforts in the Indo-Pacific region as a push back against China.

The top diplomats of the United States, Australia, Japan and India opened talks in Melbourne Friday on deepening their Quad alliance, hoping to blunt China's expanding power across the Asia-Pacific region.

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A new Biden administration strategy for the Indo-Pacific emphasizes not going it alone in dealing with China’s growing influence and ambitions, underscoring the administration’s efforts to strengthen security cooperation and other ties with allies and partners in the region.

"The PRC is combining its economic, diplomatic, military, and technological might as it pursues a sphere of influence in the Indo-Pacific and seeks to become the world's most influential power," it said referring to the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-supported-indian-covid-vaccines-to-roll-out-in-first-half-of-2022-452472" hreflang="en">Quad-supported Indian Covid vaccines to roll out in first half of 2022</a>

China’s “coercion and aggression spans the globe, but it is most acute in the Indo-Pacific,” the administration declares in the document. It cited economic campaigns pressuring Australia, conflict along China’s Line of Control with India, pressure on Taiwan and “bullying of neighbors in the East and South China Seas.”

"Our collective efforts over the next decade will determine whether the PRC succeeds in transforming the rules and norms that have benefited the Indo-Pacific and the world."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that even though Russia's threat to Ukraine occupies Washington right now, the longer-term issue is China's rising power.

"To my mind, there's little doubt that China's ambition over time is to be the leading military, economic, diplomatic and political power not just in the region but in the world," he told The Australian newspaper.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In 2022, <a href="https://twitter.com/StateIVLP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateIVLP</a> will conduct new exchange projects that will strengthen our security partnerships in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndoPacific?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndoPacific</a>. Emerging foreign leaders from Australia, India, and Japan will experience the U.S. firsthand and build lasting relationships with American counterparts. <a href="https://t.co/6bGbP1KX7W">pic.twitter.com/6bGbP1KX7W</a>
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1492292366270545925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In a 12-page strategy overview, the Biden administration says its plan includes continued support for the self-defense of Taiwan, which China claims as its territory; deeper military integration with countries in the region to deter China, as with last year’s nuclear-powered submarine agreement with Australia; and expanding efforts against cyber attacks and threats from emerging technology.

In its document, the United States vowed to modernise alliances, strengthen emerging partnerships, and invest in regional organisations. It particularly stressed the importance of "a strong India" as a partner in a positive regional vision.

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A review of our bilateral cooperation with <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a>. The readout on progress in different domains was positive. Our strategic partnership has deepened so visibly. <a href="https://t.co/LuBkYKa01l">pic.twitter.com/LuBkYKa01l</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1492063421709586433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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It said the United States would pursue a "free and open Indo-Pacific ... through a latticework of strong and mutually reinforcing coalitions."

Under an action plan for the next 12-24 months, the document said Washington would "meaningfully expand" its diplomatic presence in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands and prioritize key negotiations with Pacific island states that cover access for the US military and which have appeared to stall in the past year.

"We will refocus security assistance on the Indo-Pacific, including to build maritime capacity and maritime-domain awareness," it said.

The US has sought to broaden the Quad from a maritime security partnership to other areas, like fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Launched in 2007, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, has given a framework to what began as joint US-India-Japan naval exercises in the Indian Ocean, dubbed the Malabar Exercises.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has vowed to step up its efforts in the Indo-Pacific region as a push back against China. The top diplomats of the United States, Australia, Japan and India opened talks in Melbourne Friday on deepening their Quad alliance, hoping to blunt China's expanding power across the Asia-Pacific region.

The United States has vowed to step up its efforts in the Indo-Pacific region as a push back against China. The top diplomats of the United States, Australia, Japan and India opened talks in Melbourne Friday on deepening their Quad alliance, hoping to blunt China's expanding power across the Asia-Pacific region. A new Biden administration strategy for the Indo-Pacific emphasizes not going it alone in dealing with China’s growing influence and ambitions, underscoring the administration’s efforts to strengthen security cooperation and other ties with allies and partners in the region. "The PRC is combining its economic, diplomatic, military, and technological might as it pursues a sphere of influence in the Indo-Pacific and seeks to become the world's most influential power," it said referring to the People's Republic of China (PRC). Also read | Quad-supported Indian Covid vaccines to roll out in first half of 2022 China’s “coercion and aggression spans the globe, but it is most acute in the Indo-Pacific,” the administration declares in the document. It cited economic campaigns pressuring Australia, conflict along China’s Line of Control with India, pressure on Taiwan and “bullying of neighbors in the East and South China Seas.” "Our collective efforts over the next decade will determine whether the PRC succeeds in transforming the rules and norms that have benefited the Indo-Pacific and the world." US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that even though Russia's threat to Ukraine occupies Washington right now, the longer-term issue is China's rising power. "To my mind, there's little doubt that China's ambition over time is to be the leading military, economic, diplomatic and political power not just in the region but in the world," he told The Australian newspaper. In 2022, @StateIVLP will conduct new exchange projects that will strengthen our security partnerships in the #IndoPacific. Emerging foreign leaders from Australia, India, and Japan will experience the U.S. firsthand and build lasting relationships with American counterparts. pic.twitter.com/6bGbP1KX7W — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 12, 2022 × In a 12-page strategy overview, the Biden administration says its plan includes continued support for the self-defense of Taiwan, which China claims as its territory; deeper military integration with countries in the region to deter China, as with last year’s nuclear-powered submarine agreement with Australia; and expanding efforts against cyber attacks and threats from emerging technology. In its document, the United States vowed to modernise alliances, strengthen emerging partnerships, and invest in regional organisations. It particularly stressed the importance of "a strong India" as a partner in a positive regional vision. A review of our bilateral cooperation with @SecBlinken. The readout on progress in different domains was positive. Our strategic partnership has deepened so visibly. pic.twitter.com/LuBkYKa01l — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 11, 2022 × It said the United States would pursue a "free and open Indo-Pacific ... through a latticework of strong and mutually reinforcing coalitions." Under an action plan for the next 12-24 months, the document said Washington would "meaningfully expand" its diplomatic presence in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands and prioritize key negotiations with Pacific island states that cover access for the US military and which have appeared to stall in the past year. "We will refocus security assistance on the Indo-Pacific, including to build maritime capacity and maritime-domain awareness," it said. The US has sought to broaden the Quad from a maritime security partnership to other areas, like fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Launched in 2007, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, has given a framework to what began as joint US-India-Japan naval exercises in the Indian Ocean, dubbed the Malabar Exercises. (With inputs from agencies)

Eyeing China, United States pledges to step up effort in Indo-Pacific region

White House Indo-Pacific co-ordinator Kurt Campbell said on Thursday that increased economic engagement in Asia would be a key element &nbsp;of US policy in the region for the year ahead.

Campbell, at a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace webinar, said President Joe Biden had made clear the United States needs to be instrumental in the framing of economic and commercial engagement and trade practices in the Indo-Pacific as China`s influence grows.

"That`s an area where the United States, indeed, needs to step up its game," Campbell said, adding that the U.S. role must go beyond traditional trade and include digital engagement and technological standard setting.

"We`ve got to make clear that not only are we deeply engaged diplomatically, militarily, comprehensively, strategically – that we have an open, engaged, optimistic approach to commercial interactions, investment in the Indo Pacific," Campbell said.

"I think we well understand inside the Biden administration that 2022 will be about these engagements comprehensively across the region," he said, without providing specifics.

US-China relations have sunk to their lowest point in decades. US President Joe Biden has sought to leverage ties with allies and partners to counter what Washington sees as increasing economic and military coercion by Beijing.

His administration has touted its so-called AUKUS pact, under which the United States and Britain have agreed to help Australia acquire nuclear submarines - as well as leader-level summits between the United States, Australia, India and Japan - as evidence that US partnerships are causing China "heartburn."

But some Indo-Pacific countries, many of which count China as their largest trading partner, have lamented what they see as lacking US economic engagement, especially after former President Donald Trump backed away from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade deal.

(With inputs from agencies)

White House Indo-Pacific co-ordinator Kurt Campbell said on Thursday that increased economic engagement in Asia would be a key element of US policy in the region for the year ahead.

White House Indo-Pacific co-ordinator Kurt Campbell said on Thursday that increased economic engagement in Asia would be a key element of US policy in the region for the year ahead. Campbell, at a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace webinar, said President Joe Biden had made clear the United States needs to be instrumental in the framing of economic and commercial engagement and trade practices in the Indo-Pacific as China`s influence grows. "That`s an area where the United States, indeed, needs to step up its game," Campbell said, adding that the U.S. role must go beyond traditional trade and include digital engagement and technological standard setting. "We`ve got to make clear that not only are we deeply engaged diplomatically, militarily, comprehensively, strategically – that we have an open, engaged, optimistic approach to commercial interactions, investment in the Indo Pacific," Campbell said. "I think we well understand inside the Biden administration that 2022 will be about these engagements comprehensively across the region," he said, without providing specifics. US-China relations have sunk to their lowest point in decades. US President Joe Biden has sought to leverage ties with allies and partners to counter what Washington sees as increasing economic and military coercion by Beijing. His administration has touted its so-called AUKUS pact, under which the United States and Britain have agreed to help Australia acquire nuclear submarines - as well as leader-level summits between the United States, Australia, India and Japan - as evidence that US partnerships are causing China "heartburn." But some Indo-Pacific countries, many of which count China as their largest trading partner, have lamented what they see as lacking US economic engagement, especially after former President Donald Trump backed away from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade deal. (With inputs from agencies)

US looks to step up economic relations in Indo-Pacific

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged China to cease “aggressive actions” in the Indo-Pacific, speaking during a visit to the region.

Antony Blinken delivers remarks on Indo-Pacific, urges China to stop 'aggressive actions'

Antony Blinken urges China to stop 'aggressive actions' in Indo-Pacific

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin has accused the United States of ''inciting violence'' and ''instigating confrontation.''

It comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked Beijing to stop ''aggressive actions'' in the Indo-Pacific region.

During his first visit to Indonesia as Secretary of State, Blinken on Tuesday touted a US strategy to deepen its Asian treaty alliances.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-aggressive-actions-in-the-indo-pacific-us-warns-china-436794">Also read |&nbsp;Stop 'aggressive actions' in the Indo-Pacific: US warns China</a>

He offered to boost defence and intelligence work with partners in an Indo-Pacific region increasingly concerned over China's behaviour.

Blinken said Washington would work with allies and partners to "defend the rules-based order" and countries should have the right to "choose their own path".

"That's why there is so much concern from Northeast Asia to Southeast Asia and from the Mekong River to the Pacific Islands&nbsp;about Beijing's aggressive actions.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-biden-president-putin-to-meet-president-xi-via-video-link-436600" hreflang="en">After Biden, President Putin to meet President Xi via video link</a>

"Claiming open seas as their own. Distorting open markets through subsidies to its state-run companies. Denying the exports or revoking deals for countries whose policies it does not agree with."&nbsp;

"Countries across the region want this behaviour to change -- we do too," he said.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its own, despite some overlapping claims with other coastal states and a ruling by an international tribunal that its vast claim had no legal basis.&nbsp;

Beijing has rejected the US stance as interference from an outside power that could threaten Asia's stability.

Tensions between the United States and China have risen over Taiwan, which China claims as its own and has pledged to recapture one day, by force if necessary.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin has accused the United States of ''inciting violence'' and ''instigating confrontation.'' It comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked Beijing to stop ''aggressive actions'' in the Indo-Pacific region.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin has accused the United States of ''inciting violence'' and ''instigating confrontation.'' It comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked Beijing to stop ''aggressive actions'' in the Indo-Pacific region. During his first visit to Indonesia as Secretary of State, Blinken on Tuesday touted a US strategy to deepen its Asian treaty alliances. Also read | Stop 'aggressive actions' in the Indo-Pacific: US warns China He offered to boost defence and intelligence work with partners in an Indo-Pacific region increasingly concerned over China's behaviour. Blinken said Washington would work with allies and partners to "defend the rules-based order" and countries should have the right to "choose their own path". "That's why there is so much concern from Northeast Asia to Southeast Asia and from the Mekong River to the Pacific Islands about Beijing's aggressive actions. Also read | After Biden, President Putin to meet President Xi via video link "Claiming open seas as their own. Distorting open markets through subsidies to its state-run companies. Denying the exports or revoking deals for countries whose policies it does not agree with." "Countries across the region want this behaviour to change -- we do too," he said. China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its own, despite some overlapping claims with other coastal states and a ruling by an international tribunal that its vast claim had no legal basis. Beijing has rejected the US stance as interference from an outside power that could threaten Asia's stability. Tensions between the United States and China have risen over Taiwan, which China claims as its own and has pledged to recapture one day, by force if necessary. (With inputs from agencies)

China accuses US of 'inciting violence' and 'instigating confrontation'

A new report has revealed that due to the decline in China's power&nbsp;in the Indo-Pacific region, there is a ''significant risk of war.''

Sydney-based foreign policy think tank, the Lowy Institute has released an index of 26 countries, ranking them according to their power and control in the region.

Called the Asia Power Index, the index has shed light on how the coronavirus pandemic has reduced the relative power of Beijing.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinese-embassy-in-meltdown-over-wion-report-432849/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

''Whether the emerging balance of military power contributes to deterrence and strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific is an open question," the report said.

"The depth of hostilities, the breadth of US-China competition, and the presence of multiple potential flashpoints mean the risk of war is significant."

Lampooning China's strong arm-tactics, US President Biden's top Pacific envoy Kurt Campbell accused Beijing of being engaged in "really dramatic economic warfare.''

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/arms-deal-in-2021-how-major-powers-realigned-the-military-landscape-434045">Arms deal in 2021: How major powers realigned the military landscape</a>

The US envoy said that under President Xi Jinping, China has become "more risk acceptant, more assertive, more determined to basically take steps that other countries would view as coercive".

According to project director Herve Lemahieu, “The mix of emotional qualities can result in miscommunication and unintended conflict that leads to war.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-should-be-prepared-of-terrible-consequences-if-it-precipitates-crisis-in-taiwan-says-blinken-433986" hreflang="en">China should be prepared of 'terrible consequences' if it precipitates crisis in Taiwan, says Blinken</a>

"Beijing is now less likely to pull ahead of its peer competitor in comprehensive power by the end of the decade – this suggests that there is nothing inevitable about China's rise in the world," the report said.

"It appears very unlikely China will ever be as dominant as the United States once was."

Over the last two years, China has introduced a raft of punitive sanctions on Australian goods in a fierce political dispute that has frozen ministerial contacts and plunged relations into the most serious crisis since the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989.

It happened after Canberra called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus.

In 2018, Australia banned Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co from its 5G telecommunications network.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A new report has revealed that due to the decline in China's power in the Indo-Pacific region, there is a ''significant risk of war.'' Sydney-based foreign policy think tank, the Lowy Institute has released an index of 26 countries, ranking them according to their power and control in the region.

A new report has revealed that due to the decline in China's power in the Indo-Pacific region, there is a ''significant risk of war.'' Sydney-based foreign policy think tank, the Lowy Institute has released an index of 26 countries, ranking them according to their power and control in the region. Called the Asia Power Index, the index has shed light on how the coronavirus pandemic has reduced the relative power of Beijing. ''Whether the emerging balance of military power contributes to deterrence and strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific is an open question," the report said. "The depth of hostilities, the breadth of US-China competition, and the presence of multiple potential flashpoints mean the risk of war is significant." Lampooning China's strong arm-tactics, US President Biden's top Pacific envoy Kurt Campbell accused Beijing of being engaged in "really dramatic economic warfare.'' Also see | Arms deal in 2021: How major powers realigned the military landscape The US envoy said that under President Xi Jinping, China has become "more risk acceptant, more assertive, more determined to basically take steps that other countries would view as coercive". According to project director Herve Lemahieu, “The mix of emotional qualities can result in miscommunication and unintended conflict that leads to war.” Also read | China should be prepared of 'terrible consequences' if it precipitates crisis in Taiwan, says Blinken "Beijing is now less likely to pull ahead of its peer competitor in comprehensive power by the end of the decade – this suggests that there is nothing inevitable about China's rise in the world," the report said. "It appears very unlikely China will ever be as dominant as the United States once was." Over the last two years, China has introduced a raft of punitive sanctions on Australian goods in a fierce political dispute that has frozen ministerial contacts and plunged relations into the most serious crisis since the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989. It happened after Canberra called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus. In 2018, Australia banned Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co from its 5G telecommunications network. (With inputs from agencies)

'Significant' risk of war as China's power declines in Indo-Pacific: Report

Lithuania&nbsp;will adapt to "short-term" economic pain dealt by China over its moves to enhance ties with Taiwan, foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Wednesday, while urging Europe to brace against Beijing's economic "coercion" by getting more involved in the Indo-Pacific.

China downgraded diplomatic ties with&nbsp;Lithuania&nbsp;on Sunday over the Baltic country's move to allow self-ruled Taiwan to open a de facto embassy there.&nbsp;Lithuania&nbsp;has formal relations with China and not Taiwan.

Beijing views democratically-governed Taiwan as a province, and&nbsp;Lithuanian officials say China has also sought to inflict pain such as cutting trade links in retaliation for its decision.

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Landsbergis told Reuters in an interview in Washington that such losses would be short-lived as&nbsp;Lithuania&nbsp;was working to make its supply chains less dependent on China.

"In the short term, it is painful for any country when your contracts are cut," Landsbergis said. "But it is short term, because markets adapt. Companies adapt."

Landsbergis said China had not only cut links with&nbsp;Lithuanian companies, but had approached companies in third countries to press them not to do business with&nbsp;Lithuania.

"So much of what we produce is partially produced with, or within, China. This is why we need to find ways to create supply chains and how to make them more resilient so they can withstand this coercion, the cutting of contracts, the secondary sanctions," Landsbergis said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/entire-nation-is-crying-maryam-nawaz-slams-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-421413">'Entire nation is crying': Maryam Nawaz slams Pakistan PM Imran Khan</a>

He said&nbsp;Lithuania&nbsp;would provide a model for countries on how to withstand such pressure, but European nations in particular should become more involved in the Indo-Pacific to enhance their economic security.

"We have to understand that every country now is involved in the Indo-Pacific," Landsbergis said.

"Some of our NATO allies are taking big responsibility in the region, offering security guarantees to countries, and that means that we also have to at least have an understanding of what's going on, or probably play some part in this," he said.

Landsbergis met earlier with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who according to a State Department statement, underscored "ironclad U.S. solidarity" with its NATO ally.

Sherman welcomed&nbsp;Lithuania, a country of about three million, expanding ties with democracies in the Indo-Pacific.

Washington has sought to carve out more space for Taiwan in the international system, one of the main factors in increasingly sour relations with Beijing. Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said last week that U.S. attempts to expand cooperation with its partners and allies in the region were causing China "heartburn." Beijing described the moves as Cold War thinking.

Lithuania will adapt to "short-term" economic pain dealt by China over its moves to enhance ties with Taiwan, foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Wednesday, while urging Europe to brace against Beijing's economic "coercion" by getting more involved in the Indo-Pacific.

Lithuania will adapt to "short-term" economic pain dealt by China over its moves to enhance ties with Taiwan, foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Wednesday, while urging Europe to brace against Beijing's economic "coercion" by getting more involved in the Indo-Pacific. China downgraded diplomatic ties with Lithuania on Sunday over the Baltic country's move to allow self-ruled Taiwan to open a de facto embassy there. Lithuania has formal relations with China and not Taiwan. Beijing views democratically-governed Taiwan as a province, and Lithuanian officials say China has also sought to inflict pain such as cutting trade links in retaliation for its decision. ALSO READ | Pakistan petroleum dealers launch nationwide strike against lower profit margins Landsbergis told Reuters in an interview in Washington that such losses would be short-lived as Lithuania was working to make its supply chains less dependent on China. "In the short term, it is painful for any country when your contracts are cut," Landsbergis said. "But it is short term, because markets adapt. Companies adapt." Landsbergis said China had not only cut links with Lithuanian companies, but had approached companies in third countries to press them not to do business with Lithuania. "So much of what we produce is partially produced with, or within, China. This is why we need to find ways to create supply chains and how to make them more resilient so they can withstand this coercion, the cutting of contracts, the secondary sanctions," Landsbergis said. ALSO READ | 'Entire nation is crying': Maryam Nawaz slams Pakistan PM Imran Khan He said Lithuania would provide a model for countries on how to withstand such pressure, but European nations in particular should become more involved in the Indo-Pacific to enhance their economic security. "We have to understand that every country now is involved in the Indo-Pacific," Landsbergis said. "Some of our NATO allies are taking big responsibility in the region, offering security guarantees to countries, and that means that we also have to at least have an understanding of what's going on, or probably play some part in this," he said. Landsbergis met earlier with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who according to a State Department statement, underscored "ironclad U.S. solidarity" with its NATO ally. Sherman welcomed Lithuania, a country of about three million, expanding ties with democracies in the Indo-Pacific. Washington has sought to carve out more space for Taiwan in the international system, one of the main factors in increasingly sour relations with Beijing. Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said last week that U.S. attempts to expand cooperation with its partners and allies in the region were causing China "heartburn." Beijing described the moves as Cold War thinking.

Lithuania urges Europe to increase Indo-Pacific ties in face of Chinese 'coercion'

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is planning to meet European Council President Charles Michel on November 29 to discuss closer ties in the Indo-Pacific, reported Kyodo News citing government sources. As per the report, Kishida and Michel are expected to raise importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan strait and also increasing Chinese assertiveness in East and South China.

The European Union is already strengthening its commitment to Indo-Pacific region.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-announces-490-billion-stimulus-package-to-tackle-covid-knockdown-430557">Japan announces $490 billion stimulus package to tackle Covid knockdown</a>

The meet between Michel and Kishida will take place in Japan. This will be Michel's first visit to Japan since he took office in December 2019. His Japan visit is taking place after the EU released its new Indo-Pacific strategy in September that includes bolstering relations with Taiwan amid repeated intrusions of Chinese military planes into the self-governed island`s air defense identification zone, said the Japanese news outlet.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-taiwan-opens-de-facto-embassy-china-downgrades-diplomatic-relations-with-lithuania-430869">After Taiwan opens de-facto embassy, China downgrades diplomatic relations with Lithuania</a>

Earlier this month, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen held talks with a European Parliament delegation during their historic first visit to the democratic island. Taiwan is a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. Despite being governed separately for more than seven decades, Beijing claims sovereignty over Taiwan. China has also threatened that "Taiwan`s independence" means war. On June 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to complete reunification with self-ruled Taiwan and vowed to smash any attempts at formal independence for the island. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is planning to meet European Council President Charles Michel on November 29 to discuss closer ties in the Indo-Pacific, reported Kyodo News citing government sources.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is planning to meet European Council President Charles Michel on November 29 to discuss closer ties in the Indo-Pacific, reported Kyodo News citing government sources. As per the report, Kishida and Michel are expected to raise importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan strait and also increasing Chinese assertiveness in East and South China. The European Union is already strengthening its commitment to Indo-Pacific region. Also Read | Japan announces $490 billion stimulus package to tackle Covid knockdown The meet between Michel and Kishida will take place in Japan. This will be Michel's first visit to Japan since he took office in December 2019. His Japan visit is taking place after the EU released its new Indo-Pacific strategy in September that includes bolstering relations with Taiwan amid repeated intrusions of Chinese military planes into the self-governed island`s air defense identification zone, said the Japanese news outlet. Also Read | After Taiwan opens de-facto embassy, China downgrades diplomatic relations with Lithuania Earlier this month, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen held talks with a European Parliament delegation during their historic first visit to the democratic island. Taiwan is a democracy of almost 24 million people located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. Despite being governed separately for more than seven decades, Beijing claims sovereignty over Taiwan. China has also threatened that "Taiwan`s independence" means war. On June 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to complete reunification with self-ruled Taiwan and vowed to smash any attempts at formal independence for the island. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid Chinese assertiveness, Japan PM to meet EU Council chief to discuss Indo-Pacific region

Members of the&nbsp;Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)--India, the US, Australia, and Japan--&nbsp;have largely agreed on the annual summit schedule which will happen rotationally between the four&nbsp;countries.

WION has learned that Japan will host the summit next year (2022), India in the year 2023, and&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;in 2024.

The Quad grouping was elevated to leaders level this year with the first in-person summit that happened&nbsp;in Washington on September 24.&nbsp;

A joint statement after the summit said, "our leaders and foreign ministers will meet annually and our senior officials will meet regularly".

The September Quad summit saw US President Biden&nbsp;hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga, and Indian PM Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-can-india-help-vietnam-in-the-disputed-south-china-sea-428966" hreflang="en">How can India help Vietnam in the disputed South China Sea?</a>

One of the biggest outcomes of that summit was the launch of the Quad Fellowship that will sponsor 100 students per year, 25 from each Quad country, to pursue masters and doctoral degrees at leading STEM (science technology engineering and mathematics) graduate universities in the United States.

The&nbsp;Quad grouping is also working on High-Standards Infrastructure, forming a Green-Shipping Network, establishing a Clean-Hydrogen Partnership, and launching a Semiconductor Supply Chain Initiative.

The first Quad summit took place virtually on March 12. One of the key outcomes of that summit was the Quad&nbsp;vaccine initiative under which Covid&nbsp;vaccines will be developed in the US, manufactured in India, financed by Japan and US, and supported by Australia.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-ties-22-meet-in-december-us-congressional-delegation-meets-pm-modi-429103" hreflang="en">India, US ties: 2+2 meet in December; US Congressional delegation meets Modi</a>

Quad first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and saw some formalisation in 2007. At that time Australia had issues, with the grouping again meeting a decade later in 2017 at the official level.

Since 2019, Quad has had regular conversations at the foreign ministers' level. Quad is currently seen as a core element of the Indo-Pacific strategy supported by Washington and New Delhi.

The Indo-Pacific vision, which sees Indian and Pacific oceans as a common entity is now being backed by many countries.&nbsp;Quad&nbsp;is seen very suspiciously by&nbsp;China&nbsp;which has termed it "Asian&nbsp;Nato" something that has been dismissed by the grouping.&nbsp;

Members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)--India, the US, Australia, and Japan-- have largely agreed on the annual summit schedule which will happen rotationally between the four countries.

Members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)--India, the US, Australia, and Japan-- have largely agreed on the annual summit schedule which will happen rotationally between the four countries. WION has learned that Japan will host the summit next year (2022), India in the year 2023, and Australia in 2024. The Quad grouping was elevated to leaders level this year with the first in-person summit that happened in Washington on September 24. A joint statement after the summit said, "our leaders and foreign ministers will meet annually and our senior officials will meet regularly". The September Quad summit saw US President Biden hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga, and Indian PM Narendra Modi. Also read | How can India help Vietnam in the disputed South China Sea? One of the biggest outcomes of that summit was the launch of the Quad Fellowship that will sponsor 100 students per year, 25 from each Quad country, to pursue masters and doctoral degrees at leading STEM (science technology engineering and mathematics) graduate universities in the United States. The Quad grouping is also working on High-Standards Infrastructure, forming a Green-Shipping Network, establishing a Clean-Hydrogen Partnership, and launching a Semiconductor Supply Chain Initiative. The first Quad summit took place virtually on March 12. One of the key outcomes of that summit was the Quad vaccine initiative under which Covid vaccines will be developed in the US, manufactured in India, financed by Japan and US, and supported by Australia. Also read | India, US ties: 2+2 meet in December; US Congressional delegation meets Modi Quad first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and saw some formalisation in 2007. At that time Australia had issues, with the grouping again meeting a decade later in 2017 at the official level. Since 2019, Quad has had regular conversations at the foreign ministers' level. Quad is currently seen as a core element of the Indo-Pacific strategy supported by Washington and New Delhi. The Indo-Pacific vision, which sees Indian and Pacific oceans as a common entity is now being backed by many countries. Quad is seen very suspiciously by China which has termed it "Asian Nato" something that has been dismissed by the grouping.

Quad summits on the anvil: Japan in 2022, India in 2023, Australia in 2024

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Saturday held talks with Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron as part annual India-France Strategic Dialogue. The 35th session of the Indo-French strategic dialogue came in the backdrop of the bilateral meet between PM Modi and French President on the sidelines of G20 summit in Rome.

"France stressed its continuing commitment to the Indo Pacific region, as a resident power, and partnership with India as a major pillar of its Indo Pacific strategy," said Indian embassy in Paris.

As per the statement released by the embassy, the Indian NSA "reiterated that France is one of India’s premier global and Indo Pacific partners" while welcoming EU’s Indo Pacific strategy and looking "forward to French presidency of the EU in the first half of 2022" which will be an "opportunity to give further shape to EU’s engagement in the Indo Pacific region, including in security, connectivity, sustainability and economic development,"&nbsp;

The talks and assurance from France are key developments given the AUKUS pact between US, UK and Australia, which has miffed France

A submarine deal between France and Australia has to be junked in order to sign AUKUS pact. Paris has already termed this "stab in the back"

There were worries over France's engagement in the Indo Pacific, as New Delhi hoped for an early patch up between 2 of its key partners--France and Australia.

The Indian and French sides discussed a number of issues during the meet including long-term challenges in the Indo-Pacific, situation in Afghanistan, Africa, Southeast Asia and West Asia along with issues like terror and threats in maritime, cyber and space domains.&nbsp;

During the visit, NSA also met French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly. A release by French foreign ministry said that the minister,"underscored the importance of the mutual trust between France and India, as well as that of the Indo-French partnership in working to strengthen multilateralism and defend a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law."

Climate crisis was also discussed during the various meetings. The International Solar Alliance is an Indo-French initiative that harnesses the energy of the Sun. The initiative was proposed by Indian Narendra PM Modi at the Paris Climate Summit in 2015.

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Saturday held talks with Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron as part annual India-France Strategic Dialogue.

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Saturday held talks with Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron as part annual India-France Strategic Dialogue. The 35th session of the Indo-French strategic dialogue came in the backdrop of the bilateral meet between PM Modi and French President on the sidelines of G20 summit in Rome. "France stressed its continuing commitment to the Indo Pacific region, as a resident power, and partnership with India as a major pillar of its Indo Pacific strategy," said Indian embassy in Paris. As per the statement released by the embassy, the Indian NSA "reiterated that France is one of India’s premier global and Indo Pacific partners" while welcoming EU’s Indo Pacific strategy and looking "forward to French presidency of the EU in the first half of 2022" which will be an "opportunity to give further shape to EU’s engagement in the Indo Pacific region, including in security, connectivity, sustainability and economic development," The talks and assurance from France are key developments given the AUKUS pact between US, UK and Australia, which has miffed France A submarine deal between France and Australia has to be junked in order to sign AUKUS pact. Paris has already termed this "stab in the back" There were worries over France's engagement in the Indo Pacific, as New Delhi hoped for an early patch up between 2 of its key partners--France and Australia. The Indian and French sides discussed a number of issues during the meet including long-term challenges in the Indo-Pacific, situation in Afghanistan, Africa, Southeast Asia and West Asia along with issues like terror and threats in maritime, cyber and space domains. During the visit, NSA also met French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly. A release by French foreign ministry said that the minister,"underscored the importance of the mutual trust between France and India, as well as that of the Indo-French partnership in working to strengthen multilateralism and defend a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law." Climate crisis was also discussed during the various meetings. The International Solar Alliance is an Indo-French initiative that harnesses the energy of the Sun. The initiative was proposed by Indian Narendra PM Modi at the Paris Climate Summit in 2015.

France assures of commitment in Indo-Pacific during NSA Doval's Paris visit

Being a superpower can be defined as the extensive ability to exert influence on an international scale. 
 
It is the state of possessing the might, both economic and military that is superior in comparison to other countries.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-narendra-modi-addresses-india-speaks-on-development-of-modern-military-industry-in-country-420929/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the 'World Population Review 2021,' the powerful country in the world is the United States, followed by China, Russia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

The survey ranks 80 countries on the basis of five criteria: international and military alliances, political and economic influence, and leadership skills.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/make-india-the-worlds-biggest-military-power-pm-modi-inaugurates-seven-new-state-run-defence-firms-420972" hreflang="en">Make India the world's biggest military power: PM inaugurates 7 defence firms</a> 
 
The US tops the list with a massive GDP of $21 trillion. Meanwhile, China has a GDP of $14 trillion. 
 
Despite being defended by US Biden Joe Biden as a 'necessary measure,' the controversial withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan after two decades of war, the country is being deemed as a hegemon in retreat by critics.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malabar-exercise-focuses-on-free-open-and-inclusive-indo-pacific-region-karambir-singh-420903" hreflang="en">Live firings &amp; high levels of exercises introduced in Malabar: Karambir Singh</a> 
 
President Vladimir Putin had himself said that the US and Russia no longer decide the answers to the most important questions in the world. 
 
He added that China and Germany are headed for superpower status due to the waning influence and the US. 
 
India occupies the 13th spot on the list with a GDP of almost $3 trillion. Its rich talent pool and affordable connectivity are crucial factors that will improve its ranking in the future.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-all-the-countries-with-which-china-is-in-a-territorial-dispute-419867">Also see |&nbsp;In Pics: All the countries with which China is in a territorial dispute</a>

Amid the evolving Asian balance of power, India's strength lies in its strategic location. 
 
As a result, countries such as the US, Japan, and Australia are working closely with India to combat China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. 
 
From 1991 to 2019, India's GDP by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) has increased by 772 per cent from $1 trillion to $9 trillion. 
 
However, the country's population has grown 209 per cent from 1960 to 2021, that is, from 450 million to 1.39 billion people. 
 
While this reduces the per capita income, in the long term, this growth will keep the country's labour force young and large. 
 
This will provide India a major economic advantage over the US, China, and the European Union, which will face a decline in there labour force in the next 30 years. 
 
India's PPP is expected to reach $43 trillion and surpass the US by 2050 making it the second-largest economy in the world after China. 
 
To boost its infrastructure, India is focusing on several large-scale megaprojects to develop a golden quadrilateral between its metropolitan cities. 
 
In addition to its 11 corridor projects, it is concentrating on a $75 billion national highways and roadways programme called 'Bharatmala' and 'Sagarmala' project worth $116 million to build new mega ports and establish 14 coastal economic zones. 
 
India has allocated its defence spending budget 2.5 per cent of its GDP in the last three decades. Because of this, the country's defence budget along with its economy are skyrocketing. 
 
In 2019, India had spent $71 billion on its military, which is almost double its budget a decade ago. 
 
It has the third-largest defence budget in the world behind the US and China. 
 
From a booming high-tech sector to elite educational institutes, India has the potential to become a superpower with rapid digitalisation. 
 
Although the increased competition leads to faster economic growth and technological innovation, most economies are not prone to accept change easily. 
 
Armed conflict is often the result of the rapid rise and military and economic power. It is a major challenge to harness the spirit of challenge while avoiding its ripple effect.

Being a superpower can be defined as the extensive ability to exert influence on an international scale. It is the state of possessing the might, both economic and military that is superior in comparison to other countries.

Being a superpower can be defined as the extensive ability to exert influence on an international scale. It is the state of possessing the might, both economic and military that is superior in comparison to other countries. According to the 'World Population Review 2021,' the powerful country in the world is the United States, followed by China, Russia, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The survey ranks 80 countries on the basis of five criteria: international and military alliances, political and economic influence, and leadership skills. Also read | Make India the world's biggest military power: PM inaugurates 7 defence firms The US tops the list with a massive GDP of $21 trillion. Meanwhile, China has a GDP of $14 trillion. Despite being defended by US Biden Joe Biden as a 'necessary measure,' the controversial withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan after two decades of war, the country is being deemed as a hegemon in retreat by critics. Also read | Live firings & high levels of exercises introduced in Malabar: Karambir Singh President Vladimir Putin had himself said that the US and Russia no longer decide the answers to the most important questions in the world. He added that China and Germany are headed for superpower status due to the waning influence and the US. India occupies the 13th spot on the list with a GDP of almost $3 trillion. Its rich talent pool and affordable connectivity are crucial factors that will improve its ranking in the future. Also see | In Pics: All the countries with which China is in a territorial dispute Amid the evolving Asian balance of power, India's strength lies in its strategic location. As a result, countries such as the US, Japan, and Australia are working closely with India to combat China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. From 1991 to 2019, India's GDP by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) has increased by 772 per cent from $1 trillion to $9 trillion. However, the country's population has grown 209 per cent from 1960 to 2021, that is, from 450 million to 1.39 billion people. While this reduces the per capita income, in the long term, this growth will keep the country's labour force young and large. This will provide India a major economic advantage over the US, China, and the European Union, which will face a decline in there labour force in the next 30 years. India's PPP is expected to reach $43 trillion and surpass the US by 2050 making it the second-largest economy in the world after China. To boost its infrastructure, India is focusing on several large-scale megaprojects to develop a golden quadrilateral between its metropolitan cities. In addition to its 11 corridor projects, it is concentrating on a $75 billion national highways and roadways programme called 'Bharatmala' and 'Sagarmala' project worth $116 million to build new mega ports and establish 14 coastal economic zones. India has allocated its defence spending budget 2.5 per cent of its GDP in the last three decades. Because of this, the country's defence budget along with its economy are skyrocketing. In 2019, India had spent $71 billion on its military, which is almost double its budget a decade ago. It has the third-largest defence budget in the world behind the US and China. From a booming high-tech sector to elite educational institutes, India has the potential to become a superpower with rapid digitalisation. Although the increased competition leads to faster economic growth and technological innovation, most economies are not prone to accept change easily. Armed conflict is often the result of the rapid rise and military and economic power. It is a major challenge to harness the spirit of challenge while avoiding its ripple effect.

Why is India poised to become the next superpower?

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