US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the strengthened partnership between the United States and India in 2023, emphasizing enhanced cooperation within the Quad framework alongside Japan and Australia. Speaking at his end-of-year press availability in Washington on Wednesday, Blinken underscored the deepening of ties with India and the elevation of collaborative efforts through the Quad alliance.
The Quad, comprising the US, Japan, India, and Australia, was established in 2017 as a coalition aimed at addressing China's assertive actions in the resource-rich Indo-Pacific region. Blinken acknowledged the pivotal State Visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US in June and the subsequent G20 Leaders' Summit in Delhi under India's presidency, showcasing the strengthened relations between the two nations.
Highlighting the robust partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, Blinken emphasized the unprecedented strength of ties with allies and partners in the region. The US Secretary of State stressed the importance of engaging with China from a position of strength and outlined various diplomatic initiatives and agreements, including the Camp David summit with Japan and South Korea, the collaboration on nuclear-powered submarines with the UK and Australia, and the establishment of new partnerships and initiatives with Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other nations.
Blinken emphasized the alignment of the United States with the G7, the EU, and other allies to address challenges posed by Beijing. The efforts to deepen cooperation and coordination between NATO and Indo-Pacific allies were also highlighted, allowing for more effective engagement on issues such as China's trade practices, regional stability, human rights concerns, and diplomatic efforts to prevent conflicts. The Secretary of State noted the success of high-level diplomacy, citing his trip to Beijing in July and the recent summit between President Biden and President Xi Jinping, which made tangible progress on critical issues.
