Quad Leaders Expand Maritime Security in Indian Ocean at Delaware Summit
Washington DC [US], September 21: The Quad Summit in Delaware is set to announce the expansion of joint maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean and closer coastguard integration throughout the Indo-Pacific. Leaders from the United States, Australia, India, and Japan will expand the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative from Southeast Asia into the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), according to the White House.
The IPMDA initiative, launched at the Quad Leaders Summit in Tokyo two years ago, aims to monitor illegal activities at sea. The White House thanked India’s leadership for this expansion, which will help monitor illegal fishing and other activities in waters where China’s influence is growing. This development comes amid rising tensions in the East and South China seas due to an increasingly aggressive Chinese military.
A senior Biden administration official explained that the IPMDA will now provide coverage to the Indian Ocean region, thanks to India’s leadership. The initiative will include new technologies to improve maritime domain awareness and new training programs for partners.
The Summit in Wilmington aims to show that the Quad partners are more strategically aligned than ever and committed to providing public goods for the Indo-Pacific. A White House official mentioned that the coast guards of Japan, the United States, Australia, and India will start carrying each other’s personnel on their vessels patrolling the Indo-Pacific. A framework will be announced to support third-country coastguards in improving their capabilities.
Another significant announcement will be on US President Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Initiative, showcasing contributions by all four Quad countries in combating cervical cancer. This summit marks the first time President Biden has invited foreign leaders to Wilmington, reflecting his close relationships with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The White House hopes to project a strong alliance with Indo-Pacific partners, especially as countering China’s influence is a top priority. The joint statement is expected to include stronger language about the South China Sea and North Korea’s threats. This will be the sixth time the leaders have met, and the fourth time in person, since Biden elevated the Quad to the leader level in 2021. Originally, India was to host the event this year, but the US and India swapped responsibilities due to scheduling conflicts with the United Nations General Assembly. India will now host the next summit in 2025.
Doubts Revealed
Quad -: Quad is a group of four countries: the US, Australia, India, and Japan. They work together on important issues like security and trade.
Maritime Security -: Maritime Security means keeping the seas safe from dangers like pirates or illegal fishing. It helps protect ships and trade routes.
Indian Ocean -: The Indian Ocean is a large body of water south of India. Many countries use it for shipping and fishing.
Delaware Summit -: The Delaware Summit is a meeting held in Delaware, USA, where leaders from different countries discuss important topics.
Coastguard -: The Coastguard is a group that helps keep the seas safe. They rescue people in trouble and stop illegal activities.
Indo-Pacific -: The Indo-Pacific is a region that includes the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. Many countries in Asia and Oceania are part of this region.
IPMDA -: IPMDA stands for Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness. It’s a program to help countries in the Indo-Pacific region keep their seas safe.
Strategic Alignment -: Strategic Alignment means that countries are working together towards the same goals. It shows they agree on important issues.
Cancer Moonshot Initiative -: The Cancer Moonshot Initiative is a program to find better ways to treat and cure cancer. It aims to make big progress in fighting the disease.
President Biden -: President Biden is the current President of the United States. He leads the country and makes important decisions.
Wilmington -: Wilmington is a city in Delaware, USA. It’s where the Delaware Summit is being held.