Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday hosted a meeting of Quad Sherpas in New Delhi, with the four countries reviewing progress across key areas of cooperation, including maritime security, economic prosperity and critical and emerging technologies.
The Sherpas also discussed potential new initiatives that could be announced at the next Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the meeting reflected the strong momentum in Quad interactions and practical activities.
The discussions covered maritime security, economic prosperity, critical and emerging technologies and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
Focus on concrete outcomes
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the Quad was moving forward with a clear purpose and that the Sherpas discussed an action plan focused on concrete deliverables.
Gor was joined by Australian DFAT Deputy Secretary Elly Lawson and Japan’s Senior Deputy Minister Hiroyuki Namazu at the meeting hosted by Misri.
He said the objective was to advance the commitment of the four countries towards a strong and results-oriented Quad and translate that vision into action.
Earlier this month, Gor had said the Quad remained united in deepening cooperation and delivering tangible outcomes to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
He had made the remarks after meeting Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green and Japanese Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono to review upcoming Quad engagements.
Cooperation for free and open Indo-Pacific
The Quad comprises India, Australia, Japan and the United States.
The grouping focuses on strengthening cooperation and promoting a free, open, inclusive, prosperous and resilient Indo-Pacific.
The latest Sherpas’ meeting is expected to help shape the agenda for the next Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, including possible new initiatives across priority areas of cooperation.
-ANI
