Atlanta [US], October 31 (ANI): Quad Foreign Ministers on Saturday referred to as for preserving navigational rights and freedoms within the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait towards the backdrop of tensions in West Asia.
At the Quad assembly in Atlanta, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Foreign Ministers from Japan and Australia, Toshimitsu Motegi and Penny Wong, respectively.
The Quad ministers emphasised maritime safety and likewise expressed considerations over “economic coercion, including through arbitrary export restrictions.”
In a joint assertion launched after the assembly, the Quad ministers “underscored the importance of economic security in maintaining global stability and prosperity. They reiterated their commitment to building reliable and open global supply chains and trusted and resilient infrastructure. They expressed grave concerns regarding economic coercion, including through arbitrary export restrictions, as well as non-market policies and practices that result in overcapacity to disrupt global supply chains in critical industries.”
“Recognising the importance of critical sea lanes, the uninterrupted flow of commerce, energy security, and the unhindered passage and safety of maritime crews and vessels without the imposition of tolls, they reiterated the absolute necessity to protect and preserve navigational rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in accordance with international law as reflected in UNCLOS,” the assertion learn.
In Quad’s efforts for the protection of seafarers, it famous that the second Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer mission efficiently sailed from Chennai, India, to Perth, Australia from September 25 to October 7.
“The second Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer mission successfully sailed from Chennai, India, to Perth, Australia from September 25 to October 7 with representatives from all four Quad countries aboard an Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel, a significant step toward strengthening Quad maritime interoperability to address unlawful maritime activities,” the Quad ministers said.
With Quad’s deal with the Indo-Pacific area, they said that the 4 nations look ahead to the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration initiative at Sea Dragon 2027, which was introduced throughout the assembly in May in New Delhi.
“The Quad countries look forward to holding their first exercise under the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration initiative at Sea Dragon 2027. The initiative was announced in May by the Secretary and Foreign Ministers in New Delhi to enhance information sharing and maritime domain awareness,” the joint assertion learn.
The Quad international locations additionally introduced, “the first Quad Maritime Domain Awareness Track 1.5 Symposium under the Quad Maritime Training Initiative (MAITRI) in early 2027, which will provide a platform for regional partners to discuss MDA approaches, technologies, and information sharing.”
After attending the assembly, EAM Jaishankar mentioned that the Quad highlighted the significance of “maintaining stability, driving prosperity and ensuring freedom of choice as our continuing commitments in the Indo-Pacific.”
Jaishankar emphasised selling provide chain resilience for know-how, important minerals and vitality safety. He additionally highlighted efforts for counter-terrorism, maritime safety and capability constructing to contribute to peace and stability.
In an X put up, the EAM wrote, “Pleased to participate in the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, the third this year after our earlier interactions in New Delhi and Manila. Highlighted the importance of maintaining stability, driving prosperity and ensuring freedom of choice as our continuing commitments in the Indo-Pacific.”
“Deepening cooperation to promote supply chain resilience and ensure technology, critical minerals & energy security. Countering non-market practices and increased economic stresses in the Indo-Pacific. Taking forward agreements on counter-terrorism, maritime security and capacity building to enhance resilience & contribute to peace and stability. Developing a more contemporary QUAD agenda with a practical approach,” the put up learn.
While Quad ministers emphasised maritime safety, S Jaishankar on Friday highlighted grave considerations relating to repeated assaults on civilian transport and seafarers throughout the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, emphasising the important crucial to guard freedom of navigation.
‘The Global South is disproportionately bearing the implications of assaults on civilian transport and seafarers, jeopardising the provision and price of gasoline, meals and fertilisers,’ he said. (ANI)