The bipartisan launch of the Quad Caucus, ahead of the Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware, is a significant diplomatic step for the US in its growing Indo-Pacific strategy.
The caucus, spearheaded by US lawmakers Ami Bera, Rob Wittman, Tammy Duckworth, and Pete Ricketts, comes as tensions in the Indo-Pacific rise, signalling the US’s ongoing commitment to fostering stability, development, and security in the region.
The Quad Caucus was formed with the intention of strengthening ties with India, Australia, and Japan—three other Quad partners—emphasising collective efforts on issues like maritime security, infrastructure, climate, and emerging technologies. These efforts aim to build a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the caucus bringing greater attention to the importance of US foreign policy in the region.
In a statement, Rep. Ami Bera, a key member of the House Foreign Affairs Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, stressed that this caucus is integral to addressing challenges in the region.
He highlighted the Quad’s role in supporting peace and stability, particularly as global security concerns rise. Bera's emphasis on cooperation with Quad partners reflects the US’s broader goal of ensuring economic prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific.
Rob Wittman, another significant voice in the formation of the Quad Caucus, underlined the importance of collaboration between the US, Japan, India, and Australia. He stressed that through cooperative efforts, the Quad can tackle issues like illegal fishing, technological governance, and enhancing maritime domain awareness. Wittman believes this bipartisanship will lay the foundation for long-term stability and collaboration in the region.
Senator Tammy Duckworth echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the steadfast nature of the US commitment to the Indo-Pacific. She pointed out that the Quad has, over time, become a symbol of this dedication, offering a platform for joint efforts to protect regional security and prosperity.
Duckworth expressed pride in helping launch the Senate’s first Quad Caucus and made it clear that this initiative serves as a strong message of support to US allies and partners in the region.
Senator Pete Ricketts added that partnerships like the Quad are crucial to defending a free and open Indo-Pacific from coercion and aggression. He stated that the Quad is the US’s “greatest strength” in ensuring regional stability.
Ricketts also emphasised that the bipartisan nature of the Quad Caucus is a clear signal of the growing importance of cooperation between the US and its Quad allies, adding that they are committed to tangible solutions that will bolster collaboration and security.
The upcoming Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware, hosted by US President Joe Biden, comes at a critical time for Indo-Pacific geopolitics. As the region faces increasing challenges, particularly from China, the US is looking to deepen its strategic partnerships with India, Japan, and Australia.
This summit, the fourth in-person Quad Leaders' Summit and the sixth overall, is expected to further strengthen these alliances and advance a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The White House noted that Biden's decision to host the summit in Wilmington reflects his personal commitment to the relationships with the Quad leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The summit will focus on advancing the strategic convergence among the countries and delivering concrete benefits for the Indo-Pacific region. According to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the key areas of focus for the summit will include addressing security concerns, promoting economic development, and strengthening public-private partnerships in the region.
The Quad Leaders' Summit has grown in importance since its inception. The first virtual summit in 2021 set the tone for the US’s renewed focus on the Indo-Pacific, followed by subsequent in-person meetings.
These meetings have allowed for deeper discussions on global challenges such as climate change, health, and technology, and have solidified the Quad as a platform for tackling both regional and global issues.
As the Quad Caucus launches and the Quad Leaders’ Summit begins, the US is making it clear that its commitment to the Indo-Pacific remains strong. With the launch of the caucus and the upcoming summit, the US, alongside India, Japan, and Australia, is positioning itself to play a critical role in shaping the future of the region.
Through strengthened partnerships and collaborative efforts, the Quad aims to bring stability and prosperity to the Indo-Pacific, offering a unified response to the challenges that lie ahead.
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