In this special edition of WION-USA Direct, Dhruva Jaishankar, director of US Initiative, ORF on PM Narendra Modi's marathon schedule and what are the key takeaways from his much-awaited visit.

Bilaterals & Quad are the two key aspects of PM Modi's US Visit: Dhruva Jaishankar | WION-USA Direct

Leaders of Quad countries will meet for the first ever in-person summit on Friday at the White House. But, can the Quad define its mission? Palki Sharma discusses with a special panel of guests.

Gravitas US Edition: Can the Quad define its mission?

Gravitas US Edition:Can the Quad define its mission?

India will be seeking clarity on four Ts at the upcoming QUAD summit: Terror, travel, trade and tyranny. Will the alliance finally define its objectives and name China? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas US Edition: What is India hoping for at the QUAD summit?

A first in-person meeting of the leaders of the Quad group of countries - the United States, Japan, Australia and India - on Friday will yield progress in several areas including infrastructure, health and cyber, a senior U.S administration official told Reuters.

The Quad leaders - U.S. President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison - will also discuss regional security, the official said on Thursday, although he stressed that security was not the focus of the informal grouping that has come together in response to China`s growing power.

While declining to provide specifics, the official, who did not want to be identified, said the summit at the White House "will have much to say" about next steps on vaccines for the Indo-Pacific region.

"We have what we call deliverables in infrastructure, on broader health engagements on science and technology, in space, in cyber," he said.

He called a commitment made at a virtual meeting of the Quad leaders in March to supply a billion COVID-19 shots across Asia by the end of 2022 "important."

"Obviously, there have been challenges in India over the course of the summer. But ... we believe that it will be important to meet the ambitions that we laid out at that time."

The March initiative stalled after India, the world`s biggest vaccine producer, was hit by a devastating surge of infections and halted all vaccine exports.

India has since said it is ready to restart vaccine exports in the October quarter, prioritising the COVAX international vaccine initiative and neighbouring countries first.

The meeting of the Quad comes just over a week after the United States, Britain and Australia announced a security pact dubbed AUKUS that will help Australia acquire U.S. nuclear-powered submarines, a move immediately denounced by China.

The U.S. official called Friday`s meeting "historic," and an opportunity for the four leaders to talk openly about "modern challenges, their hopes and aspirations."

"We`ll talk about a variety of things, including regional security, but we`ll also talk about our goals in education and in infrastructure," he said.

"The linking and thickening of ties between our four countries is taking place before our eyes," he said. "What we are really trying to do is create an opportunity for more free-flowing discussion."

At the same time, he added, when asked how the Quad might relate to the AUKUS partnership: "This is a standalone grouping and has nothing to do with the recently inaugurated AUKUS. This is an informal grouping. It does not address security issues."

The official said Biden would announce on Friday an "elite" privately funded Quad fellowship programme for 100 students – 25 from each of the four countries – to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) masters and doctoral programmes in the United States.

Comparing it to Britain's Rhodes scholarship program, the official said the fellowship would be administered by Schmidt Futures philanthropies, founded by former Google chief executive officer Eric Schmidt.

"It will truly seek to bind our countries together for the long haul by connecting our young people, and they will have a sense of purpose and a sense that the Quad is indeed a unique and important grouping," he said.

A first in-person meeting of the leaders of the Quad group of countries - the United States, Japan, Australia and India - on Friday will yield progress in several areas including infrastructure, health and cyber, a senior U.

A first in-person meeting of the leaders of the Quad group of countries - the United States, Japan, Australia and India - on Friday will yield progress in several areas including infrastructure, health and cyber, a senior U.S administration official told Reuters. The Quad leaders - U.S. President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison - will also discuss regional security, the official said on Thursday, although he stressed that security was not the focus of the informal grouping that has come together in response to China`s growing power. While declining to provide specifics, the official, who did not want to be identified, said the summit at the White House "will have much to say" about next steps on vaccines for the Indo-Pacific region. "We have what we call deliverables in infrastructure, on broader health engagements on science and technology, in space, in cyber," he said. He called a commitment made at a virtual meeting of the Quad leaders in March to supply a billion COVID-19 shots across Asia by the end of 2022 "important." "Obviously, there have been challenges in India over the course of the summer. But ... we believe that it will be important to meet the ambitions that we laid out at that time." The March initiative stalled after India, the world`s biggest vaccine producer, was hit by a devastating surge of infections and halted all vaccine exports. India has since said it is ready to restart vaccine exports in the October quarter, prioritising the COVAX international vaccine initiative and neighbouring countries first. The meeting of the Quad comes just over a week after the United States, Britain and Australia announced a security pact dubbed AUKUS that will help Australia acquire U.S. nuclear-powered submarines, a move immediately denounced by China. The U.S. official called Friday`s meeting "historic," and an opportunity for the four leaders to talk openly about "modern challenges, their hopes and aspirations." "We`ll talk about a variety of things, including regional security, but we`ll also talk about our goals in education and in infrastructure," he said. "The linking and thickening of ties between our four countries is taking place before our eyes," he said. "What we are really trying to do is create an opportunity for more free-flowing discussion." At the same time, he added, when asked how the Quad might relate to the AUKUS partnership: "This is a standalone grouping and has nothing to do with the recently inaugurated AUKUS. This is an informal grouping. It does not address security issues." The official said Biden would announce on Friday an "elite" privately funded Quad fellowship programme for 100 students – 25 from each of the four countries – to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) masters and doctoral programmes in the United States. Comparing it to Britain's Rhodes scholarship program, the official said the fellowship would be administered by Schmidt Futures philanthropies, founded by former Google chief executive officer Eric Schmidt. "It will truly seek to bind our countries together for the long haul by connecting our young people, and they will have a sense of purpose and a sense that the Quad is indeed a unique and important grouping," he said.

Quad leaders to deliver on vaccines, infrastructure, tech: US official

Anita Powell, white house correspondent, VOA joins us to discuss the important bilateral meetings that are scheduled for the day between Indian PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden; also, PM Modi's first meeting with Vice-prez Kamala Harris.

PM Modi's marathon meetings begin, in-person meeting with Morrison, Harris & Suga | WION-USA Direct

The marathon schedule has begun after the back-to-back meetings with the global CEOs, the Indian PM Modi is all set for the big bilateral meets ahead, here's a list of his significant meets.

Indian PM Narendra Modi's US visit begins, big bilaterals and QUAD summit lined up | WION-USA Direct

UNGA: PM Modi arrives in US, busy days ahead

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that the Quad partnership of Australia, US, India, Japan was on track to produce 1 billion vaccine doses in India by 2022. He was addressing virtually the Global Summit to end Covid-19. He asserted that nothing was more important than defeating Covid-19

"We're working with partner nations, pharmaceutical companies, and other manufacturers to increase their own capacity and capability to produce and manufacture safe and highly effective vaccines in their own countries," Biden said.

"For example, our Quad partnership with India, Japan, and Australia is on track to help produce at least 1 billion vaccine doses in India to boost the global supply by the end of 2022. And we're providing financing and helping strengthen manufacturing in South Africa, and produce more than 500 million doses of J&amp;J in Africa for Africa next year," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-covid-19-summit-indian-pm-modi-bats-for-mutual-recognition-of-vaccine-certificates-amid-uk-row-414998">Global COVID-19 summit: Indian PM Modi bats for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates amid UK row</a>

Biden also said that he is keeping his promise that America will become arsenal of vaccines as it was the arsenal for democracy during Second World War.

The US has already shipped nearly 160 million doses to 100 countries, more than every other country has donated combined. America's donations of a half a billion Pfizer vaccines through COVAX, that he announced before the G-7 summit in June, have already begun to ship, Mr Biden told the virtual summit from the White House.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-seeks-backing-for-tedros-at-who-helm-as-africa-quiet-diplomats-415016">Germany seeks backing for Tedros at WHO helm as Africa quiet: Diplomats</a>

"Today, I'm announcing another historic commitment. The United States is buying another half billion doses of Pfizer to donate to low and middle-income countries around the world. This is another half billion doses that will all be shipped by this time next year, and it brings our total commitment to a donation, of donated vaccines, to over 1.1 billion vaccines to be donated," Biden said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pressure-grows-on-us-companies-to-share-covid-vaccine-technology-415018">Pressure grows on US companies to share Covid vaccine technology</a>

"Put another way, for every one shot we've administered to date in America, we have now committed to do three shots to the rest of the world," he said and thanked Pfizer and its CEO and chairman, Albert Bourla for being helpful in this regard.

"They've been and continue to be partners and the leader of this fight. The United States is leading the world on vaccination donations. As we are doing that, we need other high-income countries to deliver on their own ambitious vaccine donations and pledges. That's why today, we're launching the EU-US vaccine partnership to work more closely together and with our partners and expanding global vaccinations," Biden said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that the Quad partnership of Australia, US, India, Japan was on track to produce 1 billion vaccine doses in India by 2022.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that the Quad partnership of Australia, US, India, Japan was on track to produce 1 billion vaccine doses in India by 2022. He was addressing virtually the Global Summit to end Covid-19. He asserted that nothing was more important than defeating Covid-19 "We're working with partner nations, pharmaceutical companies, and other manufacturers to increase their own capacity and capability to produce and manufacture safe and highly effective vaccines in their own countries," Biden said. "For example, our Quad partnership with India, Japan, and Australia is on track to help produce at least 1 billion vaccine doses in India to boost the global supply by the end of 2022. And we're providing financing and helping strengthen manufacturing in South Africa, and produce more than 500 million doses of J&J in Africa for Africa next year," he said. Also Read | Global COVID-19 summit: Indian PM Modi bats for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates amid UK row Biden also said that he is keeping his promise that America will become arsenal of vaccines as it was the arsenal for democracy during Second World War. The US has already shipped nearly 160 million doses to 100 countries, more than every other country has donated combined. America's donations of a half a billion Pfizer vaccines through COVAX, that he announced before the G-7 summit in June, have already begun to ship, Mr Biden told the virtual summit from the White House. Also Read | Germany seeks backing for Tedros at WHO helm as Africa quiet: Diplomats "Today, I'm announcing another historic commitment. The United States is buying another half billion doses of Pfizer to donate to low and middle-income countries around the world. This is another half billion doses that will all be shipped by this time next year, and it brings our total commitment to a donation, of donated vaccines, to over 1.1 billion vaccines to be donated," Biden said. Also Read | Pressure grows on US companies to share Covid vaccine technology "Put another way, for every one shot we've administered to date in America, we have now committed to do three shots to the rest of the world," he said and thanked Pfizer and its CEO and chairman, Albert Bourla for being helpful in this regard. "They've been and continue to be partners and the leader of this fight. The United States is leading the world on vaccination donations. As we are doing that, we need other high-income countries to deliver on their own ambitious vaccine donations and pledges. That's why today, we're launching the EU-US vaccine partnership to work more closely together and with our partners and expanding global vaccinations," Biden said. (With inputs from agencies)

Quad on track to produce 1 billion Covid doses in India: Biden

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached USA on September 23 (as per Indian time). The PM&nbsp;will be&nbsp;engaged in a number of&nbsp;high-profile meetings. Over the entirety of his US visit, PM Modi will address 76th session of United Nations General Assembly, meet US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris, attend Quad summit and more. These high-profile meets are happening this year just over a month after Taliban's capture of power in Afghanistan. This and many other issues are likely to feature in talks.

PM Modi has addressed Global Covid-19 Summit. During his address he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-covid-19-summit-indian-pm-modi-bats-for-mutual-recognition-of-vaccine-certificates-amid-uk-row-414998">made a case for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates</a>. This has come amid India's row with Britain on the same issue.

Here is PM Modi's schedule on day 1 of his US visit

September 23 (Indian time)

7:15 pm IST: Meet with global CEOs

PM Narendra Modi will meet CEOs of prominent global companies. Two of them are of&nbsp;Indian heritage.

The CEOs PM Modi will meet include Shantanu Narayen from Adobe Vivek Lall from General Atomics, Cristiano E Amon from Qualcomm, Mark Widmar from First Solar, and Stephen A Schwarzman from Blackstone.

In Pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-in-usa-quad-unga-joe-biden-415080">UNGA: PM Modi arrives in US, busy days ahead</a>

The Prime Minister's meeting with American CEOs from five different key areas is reflective of the priorities of his government.

While Narayen reflects the IT and digital priority that the Indian government is pushing for, Modi's meeting with Lall is significant as General Atomics is not only the pioneer in military drone technologies but also the world's top manufacturer of state-of-the-art military drones, which the US shares only with its key allies and partners.

Jakarta-born Vivek Lall, now based out of California, for over a decade has been instrumental in major bilateral defence deals worth around $18 billion, as India and the US take steps to forge a new relationship in which defence trade is a key pillar.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-covid-19-summit-indian-pm-modi-bats-for-mutual-recognition-of-vaccine-certificates-amid-uk-row-414998">Global COVID-19 summit: Indian PM Modi bats for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates amid UK row</a>

Stephen A Schwarzman is Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone, one of the world's leading investment firms investing capital on behalf of pension funds, large institutions and individuals.

The meeting with Qualcomm's Cristiano Amon assumes significance, given India's push for the 5G technology to be safe and secure.

Meeting with Mark Widmar is important as First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (“PV”) solar solutions

11 pm IST: Meet with Australian PM Scott Morisson

PM Modi will hold a separate meeting with Australian PM Scott Morrison. Both India and Australia are part of Quad grouping that includes USA, Japan additionally.

Australia recently struck a submarine deal with US and UK

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modis-flight-to-us-skips-frankfurt-stopover-courtesy-advanced-aircraft-414962">Indian PM Narendra Modi's flight to US skips Frankfurt stopover, courtesy advanced aircraft </a>

PM Modi is scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on September 24. The day will also be important because of the Quad summit. This will be first in-person summit of the grouping.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached USA on September 23 (as per Indian time). The PM will be engaged in a number of high-profile meetings. Over the entirety of his US visit, PM Modi will address 76th session of United Nations General Assembly, meet US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris, attend Quad summit and more.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached USA on September 23 (as per Indian time). The PM will be engaged in a number of high-profile meetings. Over the entirety of his US visit, PM Modi will address 76th session of United Nations General Assembly, meet US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris, attend Quad summit and more. These high-profile meets are happening this year just over a month after Taliban's capture of power in Afghanistan. This and many other issues are likely to feature in talks. PM Modi has addressed Global Covid-19 Summit. During his address he made a case for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates. This has come amid India's row with Britain on the same issue. Here is PM Modi's schedule on day 1 of his US visit September 23 (Indian time) 7:15 pm IST: Meet with global CEOs PM Narendra Modi will meet CEOs of prominent global companies. Two of them are of Indian heritage. The CEOs PM Modi will meet include Shantanu Narayen from Adobe Vivek Lall from General Atomics, Cristiano E Amon from Qualcomm, Mark Widmar from First Solar, and Stephen A Schwarzman from Blackstone. In Pics | UNGA: PM Modi arrives in US, busy days ahead The Prime Minister's meeting with American CEOs from five different key areas is reflective of the priorities of his government. While Narayen reflects the IT and digital priority that the Indian government is pushing for, Modi's meeting with Lall is significant as General Atomics is not only the pioneer in military drone technologies but also the world's top manufacturer of state-of-the-art military drones, which the US shares only with its key allies and partners. Jakarta-born Vivek Lall, now based out of California, for over a decade has been instrumental in major bilateral defence deals worth around $18 billion, as India and the US take steps to forge a new relationship in which defence trade is a key pillar. Also Read | Global COVID-19 summit: Indian PM Modi bats for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates amid UK row Stephen A Schwarzman is Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone, one of the world's leading investment firms investing capital on behalf of pension funds, large institutions and individuals. The meeting with Qualcomm's Cristiano Amon assumes significance, given India's push for the 5G technology to be safe and secure. Meeting with Mark Widmar is important as First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (“PV”) solar solutions 11 pm IST: Meet with Australian PM Scott Morisson PM Modi will hold a separate meeting with Australian PM Scott Morrison. Both India and Australia are part of Quad grouping that includes USA, Japan additionally. Australia recently struck a submarine deal with US and UK Also Read | Indian PM Narendra Modi's flight to US skips Frankfurt stopover, courtesy advanced aircraft PM Modi is scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on September 24. The day will also be important because of the Quad summit. This will be first in-person summit of the grouping. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi's US visit day 1 schedule: Meet with Australian PM Scott Morrison, global CEOs

The US on Monday briefed India on its new trilateral AUKUS military pact with the UK and Australia to take on the challenges posed by China in the Indo-Pacific, stressing it will not detract from either the bilateral cooperation with New Delhi or multilateral ones like the `Quad’.Watch this report for more details.

United States tells India: AUKUS won't impact QUAD

Ahead of the most anticipated Quad leader summit at the White House this week, the foreign secretary of India has given an update on the Indian prime minister's US visit, listen in.

WION-USA Direct | Indian PM Narendra Modi to address UNGA on September 25

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden are expected to hold bilateral talks on trade, investment and defence and security during their meet in Washington on September 24, states Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

WION USA Direct: Indian Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla speaks ahead of UNGA

Gravitas will be taking you to the United States for the upcoming Modi-Biden bilateral & the first-ever in-person QUAD summit. From Monday onwards, join Palki Sharma every evening at 9 PM IST & 3:30 PM GMT for live broadcasts from Washington DC & New York.

Next Week: Gravitas Live from the United States

The White House has announced on Monday that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The summit marks a major milestone and coming of age for the grouping, which has been in works for some time now. For the summit, the US President Biden will be hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga and Indian PM Narendra Modi. &nbsp;

A White House statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating the Quad a priority, as seen through the first-ever Quad Leaders-level engagement in March, which was virtual, and now this Summit, which will be in-person". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Innocent civilians pay the price of America's war on terror

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March 12 saw the first Quad summit, but that happened virtually amid the Covid pandemic. The key outcome of the summit was Quad Covid vaccine initiative. Quad Vaccine initiative will see covid vaccines--developed in the US, manufactured in India, financed by Japan and US and supported by Australia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The White House statement highlighted that "hosting the leaders of the Quad demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations to meet the challenges of the 21st century." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Indo Pacific as a vision is being backed by India and US among other countries in the region. Many countries in Europe have also issued their papers on the visions and how to support it. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-combat-covid-19s-second-wave-india-inc-spent-over-rs-16-billion-412792" hreflang="en">To combat COVID-19's second wave, India Inc spent over Rs 16 billion</a>

The statement pointed that the focus of the summit will be on "deepening our ties and advancing practical cooperation" on areas, such as "combatting COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, partnering on emerging technologies and cyberspace and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific." &nbsp;&nbsp;

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. &nbsp;

The announcement by White House confirms Indian PM Modi's US visit. He is expected to hold bilateral meeting with US President Biden on September 23, the first in-person meet between the two leaders since the change of guard in Washington. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On September 25, he will be travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly high-level week for the address. During his address, he will be focusing on UN reforms, climate change, Covid crisis and vaccines, counter terror and some references can be expected on Afghanistan as well.&nbsp;

The White House has announced on Monday that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington.

The White House has announced on Monday that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington. The summit marks a major milestone and coming of age for the grouping, which has been in works for some time now. For the summit, the US President Biden will be hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga and Indian PM Narendra Modi. A White House statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating the Quad a priority, as seen through the first-ever Quad Leaders-level engagement in March, which was virtual, and now this Summit, which will be in-person". Watch: Innocent civilians pay the price of America's war on terror × March 12 saw the first Quad summit, but that happened virtually amid the Covid pandemic. The key outcome of the summit was Quad Covid vaccine initiative. Quad Vaccine initiative will see covid vaccines--developed in the US, manufactured in India, financed by Japan and US and supported by Australia. The White House statement highlighted that "hosting the leaders of the Quad demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations to meet the challenges of the 21st century." Indo Pacific as a vision is being backed by India and US among other countries in the region. Many countries in Europe have also issued their papers on the visions and how to support it. Also Read: To combat COVID-19's second wave, India Inc spent over Rs 16 billion The statement pointed that the focus of the summit will be on "deepening our ties and advancing practical cooperation" on areas, such as "combatting COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, partnering on emerging technologies and cyberspace and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific." 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. The announcement by White House confirms Indian PM Modi's US visit. He is expected to hold bilateral meeting with US President Biden on September 23, the first in-person meet between the two leaders since the change of guard in Washington. On September 25, he will be travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly high-level week for the address. During his address, he will be focusing on UN reforms, climate change, Covid crisis and vaccines, counter terror and some references can be expected on Afghanistan as well.

First in-person Quad leaders' Summit on September 24, says White House  

Australia had kept India in loop ahead of the announcement on Aukus&nbsp;agreement at the highest level. Australian&nbsp;Prime Minister Scott Morrison had informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via a telephonic conversation.

In addition to this, the foreign minister&nbsp;and Defense minister of Australia had also spoken to their Indian counterparts regarding the development. &nbsp;

"Before the announcement was made, the PMs, the minister of foreign affairs, the minister for defense all spoke to opposite here in India to inform them what the decision is,"&nbsp;Australian high commissioner Barry O'Farrell told&nbsp;media in Delhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-china-fumes-over-new-alliance-taiwan-thanks-australia-and-us-for-firm-and-open-support-of-ausuk-413773">As China fumes over new alliance, Taiwan thanks Australia and US for 'firm and open support' of Ausuk</a>

Under Aukus security partnership, US and UK will help Australia get nuclear powered submarines. The development comes amidst an aggressive China in the region and beyond.

China has been trying to increase its influence in the Pacific and has been involved in a trade war with Australia. "The fact is that decision arrived after deep consideration but my government based it on a sober assessment of the capabilities required to deal a more challenging strategic environment. We are a three-ocean nation, and nuclear power submarine will provide us with capabilities which it needs for its defense,"&nbsp;high commissioner explained.

Australia is one of the Quad member country. Next week, ahead of the first in-person summit of Quad leaders, Indian PM Narendra Modi will hold a&nbsp;bilateral talk with his Australian counterpart&nbsp;in Washington.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aukus-china-calls-the-alliance-irresponsible-australia-shrugs-413679">&nbsp;Aukus: China calls the alliance 'irresponsible', Australia shrugs</a>

Quad is a grouping of four countries —&nbsp;India, US, Japan and Australia.&nbsp;

France is miffed with the development, and fears are over the India, France and Australia trilateral.

"Clearly France has expressed a level of dissatisfaction" but "we want to continue to work with India and France, just as we want to work with India and Indonesia about matters related to Indo Pacific", Envoy Barry said, elaborating that "what is important here is that, Australian government has made a decision based on its assessment of the current strategic climate. Clearly it hasn't been welcomed by France, but should not impact their engagement with Indo Pacific."

Australia had kept India in loop ahead of the announcement on Aukus agreement at the highest level. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via a telephonic conversation.

Australia had kept India in loop ahead of the announcement on Aukus agreement at the highest level. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via a telephonic conversation. In addition to this, the foreign minister and Defense minister of Australia had also spoken to their Indian counterparts regarding the development. "Before the announcement was made, the PMs, the minister of foreign affairs, the minister for defense all spoke to opposite here in India to inform them what the decision is," Australian high commissioner Barry O'Farrell told media in Delhi. Also read | As China fumes over new alliance, Taiwan thanks Australia and US for 'firm and open support' of Ausuk Under Aukus security partnership, US and UK will help Australia get nuclear powered submarines. The development comes amidst an aggressive China in the region and beyond. China has been trying to increase its influence in the Pacific and has been involved in a trade war with Australia. "The fact is that decision arrived after deep consideration but my government based it on a sober assessment of the capabilities required to deal a more challenging strategic environment. We are a three-ocean nation, and nuclear power submarine will provide us with capabilities which it needs for its defense," high commissioner explained. Australia is one of the Quad member country. Next week, ahead of the first in-person summit of Quad leaders, Indian PM Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral talk with his Australian counterpart in Washington. Also read | Aukus: China calls the alliance 'irresponsible', Australia shrugs Quad is a grouping of four countries — India, US, Japan and Australia. France is miffed with the development, and fears are over the India, France and Australia trilateral. "Clearly France has expressed a level of dissatisfaction" but "we want to continue to work with India and France, just as we want to work with India and Indonesia about matters related to Indo Pacific", Envoy Barry said, elaborating that "what is important here is that, Australian government has made a decision based on its assessment of the current strategic climate. Clearly it hasn't been welcomed by France, but should not impact their engagement with Indo Pacific."

Australia kept India in loop regarding Aukus at the highest-level

The White House on Monday announced that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington. The summit marks a major milestone and coming of age for the grouping which has been in works for some time now. For the summit, US President Joe Biden will be hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga and Indian PM Narendra Modi.

A White House statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating the Quad a priority, as seen through the first-ever Quad Leaders-level engagement in March, which was virtual, and now this Summit, which will be in-person".&nbsp;

March 12th saw the first Quad summit, but that happened virtually amid the Covid pandemic. The key outcome of the summit was Quad Covid vaccine initiative. Quad vaccine initiative will see Covid vaccines developed in the US being manufactured in India. This will be financed by Japan and US and supported by Australia.

The White House statement highlighted that "hosting the leaders of the Quad demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations to meet the challenges of the 21st century." Indo-Pacific as a vision is being back by India and US among other countries in the region. Many countries in Europe have also issued their papers on the visions and how to support it.

The statement pointed that the focus of the summit will be on "deepening our ties and advancing practical cooperation" on areas such as "combatting COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, partnering on emerging technologies and cyberspace, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific." Quad first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and saw some formalization in 2007. At that time Australia had issues. Since 2019, Quad has had regular conversations at the foreign ministers' level.

The announcement by White House confirms Indian PM Modi's US visit. He is expected to hold bilateral talks with US President Biden on September 23, the first in-person meet between the 2 leaders since the change of guard in Washington. On 25th he will be travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. During his address he will be focusing on UN reforms, climate change, Covid crisis and vaccines, counter-terror and some references can be expected on Afghanistan as well.

The White House on Monday announced that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington.

The White House on Monday announced that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington. The summit marks a major milestone and coming of age for the grouping which has been in works for some time now. For the summit, US President Joe Biden will be hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga and Indian PM Narendra Modi. A White House statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating the Quad a priority, as seen through the first-ever Quad Leaders-level engagement in March, which was virtual, and now this Summit, which will be in-person". March 12th saw the first Quad summit, but that happened virtually amid the Covid pandemic. The key outcome of the summit was Quad Covid vaccine initiative. Quad vaccine initiative will see Covid vaccines developed in the US being manufactured in India. This will be financed by Japan and US and supported by Australia. The White House statement highlighted that "hosting the leaders of the Quad demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations to meet the challenges of the 21st century." Indo-Pacific as a vision is being back by India and US among other countries in the region. Many countries in Europe have also issued their papers on the visions and how to support it. The statement pointed that the focus of the summit will be on "deepening our ties and advancing practical cooperation" on areas such as "combatting COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, partnering on emerging technologies and cyberspace, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific." Quad first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and saw some formalization in 2007. At that time Australia had issues. Since 2019, Quad has had regular conversations at the foreign ministers' level. The announcement by White House confirms Indian PM Modi's US visit. He is expected to hold bilateral talks with US President Biden on September 23, the first in-person meet between the 2 leaders since the change of guard in Washington. On 25th he will be travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. During his address he will be focusing on UN reforms, climate change, Covid crisis and vaccines, counter-terror and some references can be expected on Afghanistan as well.

First in person Quad leaders' Summit on September 24: White House

Quad meeting will take place on 21st September 2021 under the chairmanship of US President Joe Biden. The last Quad meeting was held in the month of March this year. Watch this report to know more details.

US President Joe Biden to host Quad summit

India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural 'two-plus-two' talks here with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton.

The in-person talks are taking place at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations.

While Singh held wide-ranging discussions with Australian defence minister Dutton on Friday, Jaishankar met foreign minister Payne ahead of the 'two-plus-two' dialogue. 
In their talks, the two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their "common concerns" relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

The foreign and defence ministerial talks are taking place amid renewed efforts by the Quad member countries to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Besides India and Australia, the Quad comprises the US and Japan.

In an address at an event organised by the Observer Research Organisation, Payne on Friday said the Quad has evolved "swiftly" and very "effectively" and commended India for taking a strong leadership role in the region.

Talking about "significant challenges" facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said Canberra seeks a region where rights of large and small countries are respected and that no "single dominant power" dictates the outcome for others.

The dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers was instituted as part of an overall goal to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries. 
India has such a framework for talks with a very few countries including the US and Japan.

The defence and military cooperation between India and Australia is on an upswing in the last few years.

In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

The Australian Navy was part of the recent Malabar naval exercise that also featured navies of India, the US and Japan.&nbsp;

India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region.

India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural 'two-plus-two' talks here with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton. The in-person talks are taking place at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations. While Singh held wide-ranging discussions with Australian defence minister Dutton on Friday, Jaishankar met foreign minister Payne ahead of the 'two-plus-two' dialogue. In their talks, the two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their "common concerns" relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The foreign and defence ministerial talks are taking place amid renewed efforts by the Quad member countries to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Besides India and Australia, the Quad comprises the US and Japan. In an address at an event organised by the Observer Research Organisation, Payne on Friday said the Quad has evolved "swiftly" and very "effectively" and commended India for taking a strong leadership role in the region. Talking about "significant challenges" facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said Canberra seeks a region where rights of large and small countries are respected and that no "single dominant power" dictates the outcome for others. The dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers was instituted as part of an overall goal to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries. India has such a framework for talks with a very few countries including the US and Japan. The defence and military cooperation between India and Australia is on an upswing in the last few years. In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison. The Australian Navy was part of the recent Malabar naval exercise that also featured navies of India, the US and Japan.

India, Australia hold inaugural '2+2' talks

The first in-person summit of the leaders of the Quad countries is likely to take place in Washington on September 24 with a focus to chart a new roadmap for expanding the overall cooperation in diverse areas, diplomatic sources said on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga are expected to deliberate extensively to give a new momentum to the functioning of the Quad at the summit, they said.

Modi is likely to travel to Washington during which he is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly in New York and hold a bilateral meeting with President Biden besides participating in the Quad Summit on September 24, according to sources.

However, there is no official announcement about Modi's visit as well as on the Quad summit from the Indian side.

India and the US held a series of meetings as part of preparations for Modi's visit to the US and it is learnt that the issue also figured during Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's recent visit to Washington.

The US has been looking at convening the in-person summit of the leaders of Quad to boost practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region as well as to send a strong signal about Washington's commitment to the grouping.

In March, President Biden hosted the first-ever summit of the Quad leaders in the virtual format that vowed to strive for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, inclusive, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion, sending a subtle message to China.

The last time Modi visited the US was in September 2019 when he and then US President Donald Trump addressed the Howdy Modi event in Houston.

The first in-person summit of the leaders of the Quad countries is likely to take place in Washington on September 24 with a focus to chart a new roadmap for expanding the overall cooperation in diverse areas, diplomatic sources said on Thursday.

The first in-person summit of the leaders of the Quad countries is likely to take place in Washington on September 24 with a focus to chart a new roadmap for expanding the overall cooperation in diverse areas, diplomatic sources said on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga are expected to deliberate extensively to give a new momentum to the functioning of the Quad at the summit, they said. Modi is likely to travel to Washington during which he is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly in New York and hold a bilateral meeting with President Biden besides participating in the Quad Summit on September 24, according to sources. However, there is no official announcement about Modi's visit as well as on the Quad summit from the Indian side. India and the US held a series of meetings as part of preparations for Modi's visit to the US and it is learnt that the issue also figured during Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's recent visit to Washington. The US has been looking at convening the in-person summit of the leaders of Quad to boost practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region as well as to send a strong signal about Washington's commitment to the grouping. In March, President Biden hosted the first-ever summit of the Quad leaders in the virtual format that vowed to strive for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, inclusive, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion, sending a subtle message to China. The last time Modi visited the US was in September 2019 when he and then US President Donald Trump addressed the Howdy Modi event in Houston.

First in-person Quad summit likely in Washington on Sep 24: Diplomatic sources

Stressing that the Galwan clashes between India and China took the bilateral “relationship in a completely different direction”, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that managing relations with Beijing “ranks very high because there has been a complete departure from the norm."

Last year, the LAC border in eastern Ladakh saw a massive build-up by China’s People's Liberation Army which eventually led to clashes between India and Chinese armed forces in Galwan Valley in June.

India lost 20 soldiers in the clash, while China, though initially reluctant, finally accepted four deaths. However, there are credible reports to suggest that the toll from the Chinese side could be higher.

The Indian foreign minister pointed out that China didn't follow the treaties signed in the 1990s that called for peace and tranquillity at the border.

“There was a large Chinese military presence in a very operational mode that was brought to the border without, frankly, a good reason...Once India countered, it led to a very serious clash last June, in which a lot of lives were lost,” he said.

This year, however, both Indian and China managed to dial down the tempers and engaged in disengagement at Pangong Lake and Gogra post at the LAC. Earlier in the day, the&nbsp;Indian Army announced that both the armies completed the disengagement process and restored the pre-standoff ground position in the Gogra friction. But other friction points such as Hot Springs and Depsang plains are yet to be resolved.

The comments come even as plans are afoot for the first-ever Quad leaders level meet between India, the US, Japan and Australia later this month in Washington.&nbsp;

Speaking on the importance of the grouping, the EAM said, "The fact is that the days of unilateralism are over. Bilateralism has its own limits, and as Covid reminded us, multilateralism is simply not working well enough. The resistance to reforming the international organisations compel us to look for a more practical and immediate solution. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the case for the Quad.”.

The first Quad leaders level meeting was held in March virtually. The key outcome of that meeting was the Quad Covid vaccine initiative, in which vaccines will be produced in India for the Indo-Pacific region.

Stressing that the Galwan clashes between India and China took the bilateral “relationship in a completely different direction”, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that managing relations with Beijing “ranks very high because there has been a complete departure from the norm.

Stressing that the Galwan clashes between India and China took the bilateral “relationship in a completely different direction”, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that managing relations with Beijing “ranks very high because there has been a complete departure from the norm." Last year, the LAC border in eastern Ladakh saw a massive build-up by China’s People's Liberation Army which eventually led to clashes between India and Chinese armed forces in Galwan Valley in June. India lost 20 soldiers in the clash, while China, though initially reluctant, finally accepted four deaths. However, there are credible reports to suggest that the toll from the Chinese side could be higher. The Indian foreign minister pointed out that China didn't follow the treaties signed in the 1990s that called for peace and tranquillity at the border. “There was a large Chinese military presence in a very operational mode that was brought to the border without, frankly, a good reason...Once India countered, it led to a very serious clash last June, in which a lot of lives were lost,” he said. This year, however, both Indian and China managed to dial down the tempers and engaged in disengagement at Pangong Lake and Gogra post at the LAC. Earlier in the day, the Indian Army announced that both the armies completed the disengagement process and restored the pre-standoff ground position in the Gogra friction. But other friction points such as Hot Springs and Depsang plains are yet to be resolved. The comments come even as plans are afoot for the first-ever Quad leaders level meet between India, the US, Japan and Australia later this month in Washington. Speaking on the importance of the grouping, the EAM said, "The fact is that the days of unilateralism are over. Bilateralism has its own limits, and as Covid reminded us, multilateralism is simply not working well enough. The resistance to reforming the international organisations compel us to look for a more practical and immediate solution. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the case for the Quad.”. The first Quad leaders level meeting was held in March virtually. The key outcome of that meeting was the Quad Covid vaccine initiative, in which vaccines will be produced in India for the Indo-Pacific region.

Challenge to manage relation with China ranks high, says India’s foreign minister

Senior officials from Quad nations, the US, India, Australia and Japan, have discussed ways to advance ongoing cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, including strengthening international institutions including the UN, promoting democracy and human rights and supporting countries vulnerable to "coercive actions" in the Indo-Pacific region.

The officials of the four nations met virtually on Thursday as part of regular Quad consultations to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific region, the US State Department said in a statement.

This meeting sought to build on and implement the historic discussions held between US President Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Prime Minister Modi, and Japanese Premier Suga during the inaugural Quad Leaders’ Summit on March 12, 2021.

They welcomed the opportunity to continue regular consultations at the ministerial, senior official, and working levels and to hold a second Leaders’ Summit this fall, the statement said.

The four countries had in 2017 given shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the "Quad" or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China's aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific region.

"The four democracies acknowledged that global security and prosperity depends on the region remaining inclusive, resilient, and healthy," the statement said.

"The officials examined ways to advance ongoing cooperation on numerous topics of mutual interest, including strategic challenges confronting the region, countering disinformation, promoting democracy and human rights, strengthening international institutions including the United Nations and related organisations, and supporting countries vulnerable to coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific region," it said.

China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Beijing has also made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years.

Beijing claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. But Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Taiwan have counterclaims. In the East China Sea, China has territorial disputes with Japan.

The officials of the Quad nations during Thursday's meeting also discussed the importance of sustained international cooperation to end the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indo-Pacific and to promote economic recovery, the statement said.

The senior officials discussed the importance of peace and security in the Taiwan Strait, the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, and reaffirmed the Quad’s strong support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

Japanese Foreign Ministry in a statement said the officials concurred on further advancing practical cooperation among the four countries on quality infrastructure, maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief toward the achievement of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The officials welcomed the fact that a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” is a vision for the peace and prosperity of the region and its importance in the post-COVID world is increasing and that this vision has spread in the international community, including ASEAN and Europe.

They reaffirmed the importance of broadening cooperation with more countries for its further achievement.

The officials reaffirmed their strong support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality as well as the ASEAN-led regional architecture, and their full support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

The officials shared the view on continuing regular consultations and on coordinating to hold an in-person summit by the end of this year, in addition to holding a Foreign Minister’s meeting at least once a year, as concurred by the four leaders at the March Leaders’ Video Conference.

Vani Rao, Joint Secretary (Americas) and Naveen Srivastava, Additional Secretary (East Asia), from the Ministry of External Affairs represented India at the meeting.

Senior officials from Quad nations, the US, India, Australia and Japan, have discussed ways to advance ongoing cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, including strengthening international institutions including the UN, promoting democracy and human rights and supporting countries vulnerable to "coercive actions" in the Indo-Pacific region.

Senior officials from Quad nations, the US, India, Australia and Japan, have discussed ways to advance ongoing cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, including strengthening international institutions including the UN, promoting democracy and human rights and supporting countries vulnerable to "coercive actions" in the Indo-Pacific region. The officials of the four nations met virtually on Thursday as part of regular Quad consultations to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific region, the US State Department said in a statement. This meeting sought to build on and implement the historic discussions held between US President Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Prime Minister Modi, and Japanese Premier Suga during the inaugural Quad Leaders’ Summit on March 12, 2021. They welcomed the opportunity to continue regular consultations at the ministerial, senior official, and working levels and to hold a second Leaders’ Summit this fall, the statement said. The four countries had in 2017 given shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the "Quad" or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China's aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. "The four democracies acknowledged that global security and prosperity depends on the region remaining inclusive, resilient, and healthy," the statement said. "The officials examined ways to advance ongoing cooperation on numerous topics of mutual interest, including strategic challenges confronting the region, countering disinformation, promoting democracy and human rights, strengthening international institutions including the United Nations and related organisations, and supporting countries vulnerable to coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific region," it said. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Beijing has also made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years. Beijing claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. But Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Taiwan have counterclaims. In the East China Sea, China has territorial disputes with Japan. The officials of the Quad nations during Thursday's meeting also discussed the importance of sustained international cooperation to end the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indo-Pacific and to promote economic recovery, the statement said. The senior officials discussed the importance of peace and security in the Taiwan Strait, the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, and reaffirmed the Quad’s strong support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Japanese Foreign Ministry in a statement said the officials concurred on further advancing practical cooperation among the four countries on quality infrastructure, maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief toward the achievement of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” The officials welcomed the fact that a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” is a vision for the peace and prosperity of the region and its importance in the post-COVID world is increasing and that this vision has spread in the international community, including ASEAN and Europe. They reaffirmed the importance of broadening cooperation with more countries for its further achievement. The officials reaffirmed their strong support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality as well as the ASEAN-led regional architecture, and their full support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The officials shared the view on continuing regular consultations and on coordinating to hold an in-person summit by the end of this year, in addition to holding a Foreign Minister’s meeting at least once a year, as concurred by the four leaders at the March Leaders’ Video Conference. Vani Rao, Joint Secretary (Americas) and Naveen Srivastava, Additional Secretary (East Asia), from the Ministry of External Affairs represented India at the meeting.

Quad nations discuss ways to advance cooperation in areas of mutual interest including Indo Pacific region

India is flexing its maritime muscles to counter growing Chinese influence, conducting sea trials on its first indigenous aircraft carrier and dispatching a task force for joint exercises with the United States and other allies.

The INS Vikrant, which began trials off the southern state of Kerala on Wednesday, will be India's second aircraft carrier in operation.

The Indian Navy said the country can now "join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier, which will be a real testimony to the 'Make in India' thrust of the Indian Government."

The new 262-metre (860-foot) carrier joins the INS Vikramaditya, the Soviet-made Admiral Gorshkov that India bought in 2004.

The navy said 44 other ships and submarines were being built indigenously. It is also pressing the government for a third carrier, with Navy chief Admiral&nbsp;Karambir Singh saying the force could not remain "tethered".

China, vying for influence in the Indian Ocean where New Delhi has traditionally held sway, is currently building its third aircraft carrier.

The Indian Navy said separately on Monday that it was sending a task force of four ships to South East Asia, the South China Sea and Western Pacific for two months of exercises including with Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and the United States.

The deployment "seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between India and countries of the Indo Pacific," it said.

India, Japan, Australia and the US together form the "Quad" alliance seen as a bulwark against China.&nbsp;

Last year, 20 Indian troops died in a clash on their disputed Himalayan border with China.

This year, India has also conducted naval exercises with France and most recently with a British task force in the Bay of Bengal last month led by the new HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier.

This week, broadcaster Al Jazeera reported that India may be building a naval facility in the Mauritius archipelago, citing satellite imagery, financial data and on-the-ground evidence.

Mauritius on Wednesday said that although work was underway on an air strip and a jetty on the island of Agalega, they would not be used for military purposes.

India is flexing its maritime muscles to counter growing Chinese influence, conducting sea trials on its first indigenous aircraft carrier and dispatching a task force for joint exercises with the United States and other allies.

India is flexing its maritime muscles to counter growing Chinese influence, conducting sea trials on its first indigenous aircraft carrier and dispatching a task force for joint exercises with the United States and other allies. The INS Vikrant, which began trials off the southern state of Kerala on Wednesday, will be India's second aircraft carrier in operation. The Indian Navy said the country can now "join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier, which will be a real testimony to the 'Make in India' thrust of the Indian Government." The new 262-metre (860-foot) carrier joins the INS Vikramaditya, the Soviet-made Admiral Gorshkov that India bought in 2004. The navy said 44 other ships and submarines were being built indigenously. It is also pressing the government for a third carrier, with Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh saying the force could not remain "tethered". China, vying for influence in the Indian Ocean where New Delhi has traditionally held sway, is currently building its third aircraft carrier. The Indian Navy said separately on Monday that it was sending a task force of four ships to South East Asia, the South China Sea and Western Pacific for two months of exercises including with Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and the United States. The deployment "seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between India and countries of the Indo Pacific," it said. India, Japan, Australia and the US together form the "Quad" alliance seen as a bulwark against China. Last year, 20 Indian troops died in a clash on their disputed Himalayan border with China. This year, India has also conducted naval exercises with France and most recently with a British task force in the Bay of Bengal last month led by the new HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier. This week, broadcaster Al Jazeera reported that India may be building a naval facility in the Mauritius archipelago, citing satellite imagery, financial data and on-the-ground evidence. Mauritius on Wednesday said that although work was underway on an air strip and a jetty on the island of Agalega, they would not be used for military purposes.

Eye on China, India flexes muscles with new aircraft carrier, task force

Turkey and Russia are attempting to tame the Taliban in Afghanistan. But the US continues to destabilise the region. This time, by adding Pakistan to the Afghan QUAD.

Gravitas: Another US blunder: Pakistan in Afghan QUAD

The US coordinator for the Indo-Pacific region Kurt Campbell said that US President Joe Biden will host a Quad meeting with the leaders of Australia, India, and Japan this year. Campbell made the remarks at an event hosted by the Asia Society think tank.

Joe Biden to host Indian PM Modi & other Quad leaders this year

Noting that the world cannot be naive about Beijing`s current ambitions, Thomas Hart Armbruster, a former US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, said on Saturday that Quad is a powerful bloc that can send a powerful message by harmonising its common position on important issues like human rights in China.

Speaking at the inaugural event of 'Global Policy Insights'&nbsp;QUAD Forum, Armbruster said if Quad is to be successful, there is a need to redouble our commitments to democratic principles.

The event was held in virtual mode. "Today, we are in a time of competition with China. Military competition, competition for influence, and competition for the very way our own people are governed and live. Our major competition might not be ready to play by the established rules.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-installs-billboards-ordering-citizens-to-behave-during-centenary-celebrations-of-communist-party-392296">China installs billboards ordering citizens to 'behave' during centenary celebrations of Communist party</a>

The United States, Japan, India, and Australia&nbsp;are formidable bloc. Bigger in population than China, well versed and rising to global challenges, and a common vision for the most part in the Biden era," Armbruster said.

"We have established and lived by democratic norms that have been set up for decades, if not for centuries. However, if the Quad is to be successful, we need to redouble our commitments to democratic principles," he added.

Armbruster noted that Quad has to more than just a security arrangement."If all our resources are devoted to military competition, we will certainly lose climate change and environmental challenge. Together we can work with China for a clear future and perhaps shift our competition to who can build the next generation of cleaner power. But we can`t hide our difference on humans rights issues in China, like the treatment of Uyghurs and Tibetans. Harmonizing our common position on these important issues sends a powerful message to Beijing," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nanning-how-chinas-new-warship-with-anti-stealth-radar-is-set-to-change-balance-in-south-china-sea-392163">Nanning: How China's new warship with anti-stealth radar is set to change balance in South China Sea</a>

"We can't be naive about Chinese current ambitions and we have our own current equities and discrimination to face," he added.

He referred to China trying to expand its global footprint."For the Pacific island countries, it came down to China or Taiwan. The Marshall Islands is for example sticking with the United States. Another compact of free association country Palau went with China over Taiwan, as their diplomatic partner. And now they have thousands of Chinese tourists every year, for better and worse," he said.

He said that anti-Asian hate crimes in the US were not acceptable.

"In the US, we have seen anti-Asian hate crime spike, during the pandemic as people blame China and then by association anyone looking Asian. This is not acceptable.

"He said the Quad countries should emerge as viable models for China and Russia. "Let`s hope China and Russia see countries like Japan, United States, India, and Australia as viable models for their futures, even if they don`t admit it. This won't be a fast process or an immediately successful one.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/if-china-takes-taiwan-its-all-over-haley-urges-us-to-act-strongly-392335/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Answering a query about China trying to project a lovable panda image, he said in diplomacy, every country is acting in their own interest.

"If that image bolsters'&nbsp;China's objective, then that is something that they will adopt. Even in these multilateral groupings, each of our countries is doing it because we see it as a benefit for our own country," he said.

The QUAD Forum is an initiative of Global Policy Insights, a centrist policy institute, aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding around the Quad grouping of nations comprising of the United States, India, Japan and Australia.

The first Leaders` Summit of the Quadrilateral Framework was held virtually in March this year.&nbsp;

Noting that the world cannot be naive about Beijing`s current ambitions, Thomas Hart Armbruster, a former US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, said on Saturday that Quad is a powerful bloc that can send a powerful message by harmonising its common position on important issues like human rights in China.

Noting that the world cannot be naive about Beijing`s current ambitions, Thomas Hart Armbruster, a former US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, said on Saturday that Quad is a powerful bloc that can send a powerful message by harmonising its common position on important issues like human rights in China. Speaking at the inaugural event of 'Global Policy Insights' QUAD Forum, Armbruster said if Quad is to be successful, there is a need to redouble our commitments to democratic principles. The event was held in virtual mode. "Today, we are in a time of competition with China. Military competition, competition for influence, and competition for the very way our own people are governed and live. Our major competition might not be ready to play by the established rules. Also read | China installs billboards ordering citizens to 'behave' during centenary celebrations of Communist party The United States, Japan, India, and Australia are formidable bloc. Bigger in population than China, well versed and rising to global challenges, and a common vision for the most part in the Biden era," Armbruster said. "We have established and lived by democratic norms that have been set up for decades, if not for centuries. However, if the Quad is to be successful, we need to redouble our commitments to democratic principles," he added. Armbruster noted that Quad has to more than just a security arrangement."If all our resources are devoted to military competition, we will certainly lose climate change and environmental challenge. Together we can work with China for a clear future and perhaps shift our competition to who can build the next generation of cleaner power. But we can`t hide our difference on humans rights issues in China, like the treatment of Uyghurs and Tibetans. Harmonizing our common position on these important issues sends a powerful message to Beijing," he said. Also read | Nanning: How China's new warship with anti-stealth radar is set to change balance in South China Sea "We can't be naive about Chinese current ambitions and we have our own current equities and discrimination to face," he added. He referred to China trying to expand its global footprint."For the Pacific island countries, it came down to China or Taiwan. The Marshall Islands is for example sticking with the United States. Another compact of free association country Palau went with China over Taiwan, as their diplomatic partner. And now they have thousands of Chinese tourists every year, for better and worse," he said. He said that anti-Asian hate crimes in the US were not acceptable. "In the US, we have seen anti-Asian hate crime spike, during the pandemic as people blame China and then by association anyone looking Asian. This is not acceptable. "He said the Quad countries should emerge as viable models for China and Russia. "Let`s hope China and Russia see countries like Japan, United States, India, and Australia as viable models for their futures, even if they don`t admit it. This won't be a fast process or an immediately successful one. "Answering a query about China trying to project a lovable panda image, he said in diplomacy, every country is acting in their own interest. "If that image bolsters' China's objective, then that is something that they will adopt. Even in these multilateral groupings, each of our countries is doing it because we see it as a benefit for our own country," he said. The QUAD Forum is an initiative of Global Policy Insights, a centrist policy institute, aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding around the Quad grouping of nations comprising of the United States, India, Japan and Australia. The first Leaders` Summit of the Quadrilateral Framework was held virtually in March this year.

We cannot be naive about China's ambitions, Quad can send powerful message, says former US envoy Armbruster

The Financial Times has accused India of being the Quad's weakest link, pointing to the breakdown of vaccine supplies. With Japan labouring to the Olympics and US hitting 600,000 Covid deaths, why has India been singled out? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Western press calls India Quad's weakest link

&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday reassured full support to Australia in the face of economic coercion by China, as Washington and Canberra mark the 70th anniversary of their alliance.

Washington has repeatedly criticised what it says are Beijing's attempts to bully neighbours with competing interests, and US&nbsp;President Joe Biden has sought to bolster ties with allies in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's growing power.

"I reiterated that the United States will not leave Australia alone on the field, or maybe I should say alone on the pitch, in the face of economic coercion by China," Blinken said at a press briefing with visiting Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

"And we've made clear to the PRC how such actions targeting our closest partners and allies will hinder improvements in our own relationship with China," Blinken said, using the acronym for the country's official name.

China has imposed a series of trade sanctions on Australian exports ranging from wine to coal as the two countries tensions have worsened in recent years.

Successive Australian trade ministers have been unable to secure a phone call with Chinese counterparts since diplomatic tensions worsened in 2020, and last week Beijing suspended all activity under a bilateral economic dialogue with Australia.

Australia was one of the first countries to publicly ban Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G network over security concerns, and last year angered Beijing with its calls for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19.

Payne told journalists Australia had been clear that it wanted constructive ties with China.

"But we won't compromise on our national security or our sovereignty and we'll continue to act to protect that," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday reassured full support to Australia in the face of economic coercion by China, as Washington and Canberra mark the 70th anniversary of their alliance.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday reassured full support to Australia in the face of economic coercion by China, as Washington and Canberra mark the 70th anniversary of their alliance. Washington has repeatedly criticised what it says are Beijing's attempts to bully neighbours with competing interests, and US President Joe Biden has sought to bolster ties with allies in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's growing power. "I reiterated that the United States will not leave Australia alone on the field, or maybe I should say alone on the pitch, in the face of economic coercion by China," Blinken said at a press briefing with visiting Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. "And we've made clear to the PRC how such actions targeting our closest partners and allies will hinder improvements in our own relationship with China," Blinken said, using the acronym for the country's official name. China has imposed a series of trade sanctions on Australian exports ranging from wine to coal as the two countries tensions have worsened in recent years. Successive Australian trade ministers have been unable to secure a phone call with Chinese counterparts since diplomatic tensions worsened in 2020, and last week Beijing suspended all activity under a bilateral economic dialogue with Australia. Australia was one of the first countries to publicly ban Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G network over security concerns, and last year angered Beijing with its calls for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19. Payne told journalists Australia had been clear that it wanted constructive ties with China. "But we won't compromise on our national security or our sovereignty and we'll continue to act to protect that," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken says US will not leave Australia alone to face China coercion

Every country is territorial about its sphere, with Russia considering eastern Europe as its backyard and the US thinking the same of Central America.

In this report, we will look at India's sphere of influence and how far does it extend.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-remote-island-base-in-the-indian-ocean-381233/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

We will also see what are India's plans to consolidate its presence?

Let's begin with the vast Indian Ocean to the south.

Indians have sailed these waters for hundreds of years, but of late, it has become a strategic playground because of China.

Beijing wants to box India in with the 'String of Pearls' initiative, which comprises strategic ports that China controls.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-aggression-continues-as-liaoning-sails-between-japanese-islands-381177">China's aggression continues as Liaoning sails between Japanese islands</a>

India has responded in kind, as it is developing a military base in the south-western Indian Ocean.

There is North Agalega, an island controlled by Mauritius, India's long-standing ally.

This is where India is building its base.

It might seem like the middle of nowhere, but look around and it will make perfect sense.

To the south is the Reunion island, controlled by the French, another close ally, and to the north is Djibouti, China's foothold in Africa where they have a military base.&nbsp;

So the Indian base serves two objectives.&nbsp;

The first is to coordinate with allies and in fact, this is already happening as India recently conducted joint patrols with French vessels from the Reunion.

The second objective is surveillance, as from Agalega, India can keep an eye on Southern African trade routes, where most of China's energy trade is concentrated.&nbsp;

But we are not quite at that stage because North Agalega is still a remote outpost.&nbsp;

It is 12 km long and 1.5 km wide, which means it is small even by island standards.

Fewer than 300 people live there and until a few years back it was like a ghost island.

However, today it is buzzing with construction activity.

In October 2014, the island was wilderness surrounded by sea, but in 2015, India sought access to it.

New Delhi wanted to develop it as a staging point for its air force and navy.

Six years later, there is a new 3,000-metre-long runway, capable of hosting India's new Boeing patrol aircraft.

To the island's north, a new seaport is being constructed.

There are barracks, parade fields and accommodation for Indian workers.

It's a full-fledged Indian military base, but both India and Mauritius have been tight-lipped about it.

But, chances are, Agalega will serve as a surveillance hub for India, a crucial foothold in the south-western Indian Ocean.

In fact, Australia too is shifting focus to its military bases and again because of China.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a major spending spree, close to 580 million dollars, to upgrade four military bases to the country's north.

All kinds of upgrades are being planned, including a larger airstrip in the northern territory, new firing ranges, training facilities and housing for US Marines during joint war games.

The messaging from Canberra has changed in the last few months.

First, they tried to strike a balance between criticising China and trading with it, a move that failed miserably.

Now, top Australian officials are asking liberal democracies to brace for war.

Morrison appears more invested in the campaign against China.

"Our objective here in this part of the world is a free and open Indo-Pacific. Our objective here is to ensure a peaceful region but one that, at the same time, Australia is in a position to always protect its interests, always advance our national interests, always support a global world order that favours freedom and that is something that we share very deeply with our American friends and allies," Morrison said.

So the walls are closing in around China, not just militarily, but countries are mounting an economic challenge too.

This is where supply chains come in.

China controls global supply chains and it is dangerous for the world.

Beijing can choke any country it wants to and the downside of Chinese control was seen last year.&nbsp;

There was no transparency and a lot of delays.

So three countries have come together to sidestep China: India, Australia and Japan, members of the Quad alliance.

They have launched a new supply chain project called the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI).&nbsp;

Under this, businesses from these three countries will join hands and meet at investment forums facilitated by their governments.

The idea is to create a stable and seamless supply chain, one that can survive disruptions.

They've issued a joint statement, saying that the current supply chains are vulnerable, in a clear reference to China.

But the joint statement did not mention Beijing. Nonetheless, China is livid.

It has called this initiative an artificial supply chain, a deviation from the free-market economy.

The irony is that an opaque Communist country is preaching the world on free-market theory.

Regardless of what China thinks, the initiative is going ahead.&nbsp;

As a first step, all three countries will share best practices on robust supply networks.

Their trade ministers will meet annually to review progress.

So three Quad nations are showing the way beyond China.

The US is missing from this initiative, but it does call for a possible expansion if there is consensus.

Talks will not dissuade the Chinese military, but overseas bases and war games will.

The same is true for China's supply chain system as you can talk all you want at the World Trade Organization (WTO), but Beijing always reverts to type.

So the solution is this: build your own supply chain, delete Beijing from the equation.

There should be military deterrence and economic isolation, something that should make China pay.

Every country is territorial about its sphere, with Russia considering eastern Europe as its backyard and the US thinking the same of Central America. In this report, we will look at India's sphere of influence and how far does it extend.

Every country is territorial about its sphere, with Russia considering eastern Europe as its backyard and the US thinking the same of Central America. In this report, we will look at India's sphere of influence and how far does it extend. Watch | We will also see what are India's plans to consolidate its presence? Let's begin with the vast Indian Ocean to the south. Indians have sailed these waters for hundreds of years, but of late, it has become a strategic playground because of China. Beijing wants to box India in with the 'String of Pearls' initiative, which comprises strategic ports that China controls. Also read | China's aggression continues as Liaoning sails between Japanese islands India has responded in kind, as it is developing a military base in the south-western Indian Ocean. There is North Agalega, an island controlled by Mauritius, India's long-standing ally. This is where India is building its base. It might seem like the middle of nowhere, but look around and it will make perfect sense. To the south is the Reunion island, controlled by the French, another close ally, and to the north is Djibouti, China's foothold in Africa where they have a military base. So the Indian base serves two objectives. The first is to coordinate with allies and in fact, this is already happening as India recently conducted joint patrols with French vessels from the Reunion. The second objective is surveillance, as from Agalega, India can keep an eye on Southern African trade routes, where most of China's energy trade is concentrated. But we are not quite at that stage because North Agalega is still a remote outpost. It is 12 km long and 1.5 km wide, which means it is small even by island standards. Fewer than 300 people live there and until a few years back it was like a ghost island. However, today it is buzzing with construction activity. In October 2014, the island was wilderness surrounded by sea, but in 2015, India sought access to it. New Delhi wanted to develop it as a staging point for its air force and navy. Six years later, there is a new 3,000-metre-long runway, capable of hosting India's new Boeing patrol aircraft. To the island's north, a new seaport is being constructed. There are barracks, parade fields and accommodation for Indian workers. It's a full-fledged Indian military base, but both India and Mauritius have been tight-lipped about it. But, chances are, Agalega will serve as a surveillance hub for India, a crucial foothold in the south-western Indian Ocean. In fact, Australia too is shifting focus to its military bases and again because of China. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a major spending spree, close to 580 million dollars, to upgrade four military bases to the country's north. All kinds of upgrades are being planned, including a larger airstrip in the northern territory, new firing ranges, training facilities and housing for US Marines during joint war games. The messaging from Canberra has changed in the last few months. First, they tried to strike a balance between criticising China and trading with it, a move that failed miserably. Now, top Australian officials are asking liberal democracies to brace for war. Morrison appears more invested in the campaign against China. "Our objective here in this part of the world is a free and open Indo-Pacific. Our objective here is to ensure a peaceful region but one that, at the same time, Australia is in a position to always protect its interests, always advance our national interests, always support a global world order that favours freedom and that is something that we share very deeply with our American friends and allies," Morrison said. So the walls are closing in around China, not just militarily, but countries are mounting an economic challenge too. This is where supply chains come in. China controls global supply chains and it is dangerous for the world. Beijing can choke any country it wants to and the downside of Chinese control was seen last year. There was no transparency and a lot of delays. So three countries have come together to sidestep China: India, Australia and Japan, members of the Quad alliance. They have launched a new supply chain project called the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI). Under this, businesses from these three countries will join hands and meet at investment forums facilitated by their governments. The idea is to create a stable and seamless supply chain, one that can survive disruptions. They've issued a joint statement, saying that the current supply chains are vulnerable, in a clear reference to China. But the joint statement did not mention Beijing. Nonetheless, China is livid. It has called this initiative an artificial supply chain, a deviation from the free-market economy. The irony is that an opaque Communist country is preaching the world on free-market theory. Regardless of what China thinks, the initiative is going ahead. As a first step, all three countries will share best practices on robust supply networks. Their trade ministers will meet annually to review progress. So three Quad nations are showing the way beyond China. The US is missing from this initiative, but it does call for a possible expansion if there is consensus. Talks will not dissuade the Chinese military, but overseas bases and war games will. The same is true for China's supply chain system as you can talk all you want at the World Trade Organization (WTO), but Beijing always reverts to type. So the solution is this: build your own supply chain, delete Beijing from the equation. There should be military deterrence and economic isolation, something that should make China pay.

What is India's sphere of influence to checkmate China?

A powerful Senate committee has overwhelmingly approved the key China strategic competition bill, which among other things supports the Quad grouping and enhances security partnership with India.

Known as the 'Quadrilateral Security Dialogue', the Quad grouping comprises the US, India, Australia and Japan.

The representatives for the four-member nations have met periodically since its establishment in 2007. The top leaders of the four countries held a historic virtual summit hosted by President Joe Biden last month.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, following a three-hour debate and several amendments, voted 21-1 to approve the Strategic Competition Act on Wednesday.

The United States should reaffirm its commitment to the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with India and further deepen bilateral defence consultations and collaboration with the country, says the bipartisan bill moved by Senators Jim Risch and Bob Menendez, ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

It urges the US government that in close consultation with India, identify areas where it can provide diplomatic and other support as appropriate for India's efforts to address economic and security challenges posed by China in the region.

The two lawmakers described the legislation as an unprecedented, bipartisan effort to mobilise all American strategic, economic, and diplomatic tools for an Indo-Pacific strategy that enables the US government to compete effectively with China and the challenges it poses to its national and economic security for decades to come.

One amendment moved by Senator Edward Markey, and approved seeks to establish a QUAD Intra-Parliamentary Working Group to connect together lawmakers from the United States, Japan, Australia and India. Markey is chair of the Asia-Pacific subcommittee.

''The Quad Inter-Parliamentary Group will help our four countries diversify cooperation on issues beyond its traditional defence focus such as by delivering alternatives to China's Belt and Road in the Indo-Pacific and delivering on the promise to provide over one billion COVID-19 vaccines to the region,''&nbsp;he said.

The bill bolsters the United States diplomatic strategy in addressing challenges posed by the Chinese government and reaffirms America's commitment to its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world, and calls for the United States to reassert its leadership within international organisations and another multilateral forum.

It renews America's commitment to allies and partners by prioritising security assistance for the Indo-Pacific region, and strengthens US diplomatic efforts to address challenges posed by China in the Western Hemisphere, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Arctic, and Oceania.

The Indo-Pacific is the most consequential region for American foreign policy. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Beijing has also made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years.

Beijing claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. But Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. In the East China Sea, China has territorial disputes with Japan.

The bill seeks to invest in universal values, authorising a broad range of human rights and civil society measures, including supporting democracy in Hong Kong and imposing sanctions with respect to forced labour, forced sterilisation, and other abuses in Xinjiang.

It focuses on countering and confronting China's predatory international economic behaviour, and includes measures to track intellectual property violators, Chinese government subsidies, monitor Chinese use of Hong Kong to circumvent US export controls, and track the presence of Chinese companies in US capital markets.

It directs the United States to provide technical assistance to countries working to counter foreign corrupt practices, and debt relief to the poorest countries who have requested forbearance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill calls for enhanced coordination and cooperation with allies on arms control in the face of China's military modernisation and expansion, and requires reporting on Chinese ballistic, hypersonic glide, and cruise missiles, conventional forces, nuclear, space, cyberspace and other strategic domains.

It also seeks a detailed description of United States diplomatic efforts with Pakistan with respect to matters relevant to China including investments by Beijing in Pakistan through the Belt and Road Initiative.

In his remarks on the Senate floor a day earlier, Senator Jim Inhofe said that there is a need for the United States to increase investment in national defence to deter Chinese aggression. The Chinese People's Liberation Army, he said, has been expanding its network of strategic ports and bases around the world, from Djibouti, to Pakistan, Cambodia and Sri Lanka.

''Last year, China started going after the territory of India, which has resulted in dozens of dead Indian soldiers. They've continually harassed Japan and Taiwan in the air and on the sea, their fishing fleets have terrorised small Pacific island nations. Over 200 Chinese boats are staking out a reef in the South China Sea claimed by the Philippines,''&nbsp;Inhofe said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A powerful Senate committee has overwhelmingly approved the key China strategic competition bill, which among other things supports the Quad grouping and enhances security partnership with India.

A powerful Senate committee has overwhelmingly approved the key China strategic competition bill, which among other things supports the Quad grouping and enhances security partnership with India. Known as the 'Quadrilateral Security Dialogue', the Quad grouping comprises the US, India, Australia and Japan. The representatives for the four-member nations have met periodically since its establishment in 2007. The top leaders of the four countries held a historic virtual summit hosted by President Joe Biden last month. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, following a three-hour debate and several amendments, voted 21-1 to approve the Strategic Competition Act on Wednesday. The United States should reaffirm its commitment to the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with India and further deepen bilateral defence consultations and collaboration with the country, says the bipartisan bill moved by Senators Jim Risch and Bob Menendez, ranking member and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It urges the US government that in close consultation with India, identify areas where it can provide diplomatic and other support as appropriate for India's efforts to address economic and security challenges posed by China in the region. The two lawmakers described the legislation as an unprecedented, bipartisan effort to mobilise all American strategic, economic, and diplomatic tools for an Indo-Pacific strategy that enables the US government to compete effectively with China and the challenges it poses to its national and economic security for decades to come. One amendment moved by Senator Edward Markey, and approved seeks to establish a QUAD Intra-Parliamentary Working Group to connect together lawmakers from the United States, Japan, Australia and India. Markey is chair of the Asia-Pacific subcommittee. ''The Quad Inter-Parliamentary Group will help our four countries diversify cooperation on issues beyond its traditional defence focus such as by delivering alternatives to China's Belt and Road in the Indo-Pacific and delivering on the promise to provide over one billion COVID-19 vaccines to the region,'' he said. The bill bolsters the United States diplomatic strategy in addressing challenges posed by the Chinese government and reaffirms America's commitment to its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world, and calls for the United States to reassert its leadership within international organisations and another multilateral forum. It renews America's commitment to allies and partners by prioritising security assistance for the Indo-Pacific region, and strengthens US diplomatic efforts to address challenges posed by China in the Western Hemisphere, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Arctic, and Oceania. The Indo-Pacific is the most consequential region for American foreign policy. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. Beijing has also made substantial progress in militarising its man-made islands in the past few years. Beijing claims sovereignty over all of the South China Sea. But Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. In the East China Sea, China has territorial disputes with Japan. The bill seeks to invest in universal values, authorising a broad range of human rights and civil society measures, including supporting democracy in Hong Kong and imposing sanctions with respect to forced labour, forced sterilisation, and other abuses in Xinjiang. It focuses on countering and confronting China's predatory international economic behaviour, and includes measures to track intellectual property violators, Chinese government subsidies, monitor Chinese use of Hong Kong to circumvent US export controls, and track the presence of Chinese companies in US capital markets. It directs the United States to provide technical assistance to countries working to counter foreign corrupt practices, and debt relief to the poorest countries who have requested forbearance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill calls for enhanced coordination and cooperation with allies on arms control in the face of China's military modernisation and expansion, and requires reporting on Chinese ballistic, hypersonic glide, and cruise missiles, conventional forces, nuclear, space, cyberspace and other strategic domains. It also seeks a detailed description of United States diplomatic efforts with Pakistan with respect to matters relevant to China including investments by Beijing in Pakistan through the Belt and Road Initiative. In his remarks on the Senate floor a day earlier, Senator Jim Inhofe said that there is a need for the United States to increase investment in national defence to deter Chinese aggression. The Chinese People's Liberation Army, he said, has been expanding its network of strategic ports and bases around the world, from Djibouti, to Pakistan, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. ''Last year, China started going after the territory of India, which has resulted in dozens of dead Indian soldiers. They've continually harassed Japan and Taiwan in the air and on the sea, their fishing fleets have terrorised small Pacific island nations. Over 200 Chinese boats are staking out a reef in the South China Sea claimed by the Philippines,'' Inhofe said. (With inputs from agencies)

US Senate committee approves China strategic competition bill; backs enhanced security ties with India

United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance.

US naval manoeuvre near the Lakshadweep came out of the blue. There was no indication, no diplomatic outreach. What does this mean for the democratic axis? More importantly, is it a setback in the battle against China? 
&nbsp;

Watch: Why did the US Navy conduct an operation near Lakshadweep

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-did-the-us-navy-conduct-an-operation-near-lakshadweep-376542/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India and the US are strategic allies. It is a partnership built on shared ideals like democracy, freedom of speech and rule of law.

But today, there is a new common ground of security in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is betting on India to counter Beijing.

This is reflected in America's policy realignment. It started with Trump. And has gained momentum under Joe Biden. It is vital that both sides see the bigger picture.

This has been the case throughout history. Alliances survive as long as there is clarity on who the adversary is. For example, NATO has struggled to define itself.&nbsp;

The Quad must be wary of this. This so-called freedom of passage exercise was in simple terms, unnecessary. It wasn't a message to India, but to China. Washington wants to stamp its version of free navigation around the world. Allies, adversaries, it doesn't matter.

This move reiterates America's resolve. But at what cost? The South China Sea is a disputed region. There are dozens of claims and counter-claims. There is an active aggressor in the form of China.

On the other hand, India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is not a disputed region. There are no ambiguous claims of sovereignty, and there is no aggressor here. So America's adventurism here seems unwarranted.

As allies, dialogue must be given priority. Differences have to be settled by diplomats, not warships.

Small incidents can escalate fast. A break between India and the US would hand China the advantage. Washington needs to be wary of this.

When Donald Trump was US President, he was accused of abandoning allies. He wanted to pull out troops from Germany. He asked South Korea to pay up for US deployments. Biden had some sharp words back then.

Now that he's president Biden is promising change. He has told his partners that America is back. But actions like this make you doubt his sincerity. The president was lauded for his push to convene a Quad summit.

It was the first time, leaders from the 4 countries met. However, as far as alliances go Quad is still a newbie. It must be cultivated into an iron bond. And India has been more than willing to engage.

New Delhi has repeatedly committed itself to a free and open Indo-Pacific. And more importantly to freedom of navigation. The joint statement issued last month after the Quad virtual summit was signed by all four partners including India.

"We support the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and territorial integrity," said the statement.

This is the spirit of Quad as agreed by all leaders. It also featured in the phone call between PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden.

Allies inform, they consult and they act together. Without a joint spirit, alliances will exist only in name. America has taken a risk by wading into India's EEZ.

Diplomats will most likely iron out the differences, but what about public opinion? On social media, Indians are not impressed by America's action. Domestic support is key to foreign alliances. They help leaders make long term commitments without stirring emotions back home.

A 2014 pew survey found that 56% Indians held a favourable view of America. Washington cannot let that number drop any further. With this move, the US has also put other allies on notice. Japan, Australia, South Korea will all be watching closely.

What is stopping US Ships from repeating this elsewhere? The American intention was to send a deadpan message. Ally or not, our worldview will prevail. But that's simply not how partnerships work.

United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance.

United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance. US naval manoeuvre near the Lakshadweep came out of the blue. There was no indication, no diplomatic outreach. What does this mean for the democratic axis? More importantly, is it a setback in the battle against China? Watch: Why did the US Navy conduct an operation near Lakshadweep India and the US are strategic allies. It is a partnership built on shared ideals like democracy, freedom of speech and rule of law. But today, there is a new common ground of security in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is betting on India to counter Beijing. This is reflected in America's policy realignment. It started with Trump. And has gained momentum under Joe Biden. It is vital that both sides see the bigger picture. This has been the case throughout history. Alliances survive as long as there is clarity on who the adversary is. For example, NATO has struggled to define itself. The Quad must be wary of this. This so-called freedom of passage exercise was in simple terms, unnecessary. It wasn't a message to India, but to China. Washington wants to stamp its version of free navigation around the world. Allies, adversaries, it doesn't matter. This move reiterates America's resolve. But at what cost? The South China Sea is a disputed region. There are dozens of claims and counter-claims. There is an active aggressor in the form of China. On the other hand, India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is not a disputed region. There are no ambiguous claims of sovereignty, and there is no aggressor here. So America's adventurism here seems unwarranted. As allies, dialogue must be given priority. Differences have to be settled by diplomats, not warships. Small incidents can escalate fast. A break between India and the US would hand China the advantage. Washington needs to be wary of this. When Donald Trump was US President, he was accused of abandoning allies. He wanted to pull out troops from Germany. He asked South Korea to pay up for US deployments. Biden had some sharp words back then. Now that he's president Biden is promising change. He has told his partners that America is back. But actions like this make you doubt his sincerity. The president was lauded for his push to convene a Quad summit. It was the first time, leaders from the 4 countries met. However, as far as alliances go Quad is still a newbie. It must be cultivated into an iron bond. And India has been more than willing to engage. New Delhi has repeatedly committed itself to a free and open Indo-Pacific. And more importantly to freedom of navigation. The joint statement issued last month after the Quad virtual summit was signed by all four partners including India. "We support the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and territorial integrity," said the statement. This is the spirit of Quad as agreed by all leaders. It also featured in the phone call between PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. Allies inform, they consult and they act together. Without a joint spirit, alliances will exist only in name. America has taken a risk by wading into India's EEZ. Diplomats will most likely iron out the differences, but what about public opinion? On social media, Indians are not impressed by America's action. Domestic support is key to foreign alliances. They help leaders make long term commitments without stirring emotions back home. A 2014 pew survey found that 56% Indians held a favourable view of America. Washington cannot let that number drop any further. With this move, the US has also put other allies on notice. Japan, Australia, South Korea will all be watching closely. What is stopping US Ships from repeating this elsewhere? The American intention was to send a deadpan message. Ally or not, our worldview will prevail. But that's simply not how partnerships work.

US Navy manoeuvre near Lakshadweep was an unnecessary act

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