Quad Leaders’ Summit Unveils Major Maritime Security Steps, Calls for Global Peace

At the Quad summit, leaders from the US, Japan, India, and Australia announced new maritime security initiatives in the Indo-Pacific and called for lasting peace in Ukraine. They also condemned China’s actions in the South China Sea and addressed humanitarian issues, including the Gaza crisis and global security concerns.

Top leaders of Quad unveiled major steps to expand maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and called for lasting peace in Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the grouping aims for a rules-based global order respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Without directly naming China, the leaders at the annual Quad summit expressed concern over the South China Sea situation. They condemned the 'dangerous' actions of coast guards and maritime militia vessels in the region. Besides Modi, US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the summit.

Amid concerns over China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, the leaders rolled out ambitious initiatives, including joint coast guard operations and a new Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific. On Ukraine, they emphasized the need for peace, condemning terrorism and calling for increased humanitarian aid in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies.)