Context: During the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)  held recently, foreign ministers of the Quad reaffirmed the commitment to a “free and open” Indio-Pacific region.

About Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad): 

• The idea of Quad was first mooted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007.
• It is an informal strategic dialogue between the four nations, Australia. India, Japan, and the US.
• It began as a loose partnership after the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, when the four countries joined together to provide humanitarian and disaster assistance to the affected region.

Highlights of the meeting: 

• Quad’s Commitment to UN Charter Principles: The Quad committed itself to the principles of the UN charter and reform of the institution as well as settling disputes in accordance with international law.
• Coordination against Terror Attacks: The group stressed its commitment to countering terrorism, including terror financing and cross-border movement of terrorists and curbing the use of emerging technologies for terror purposes.
• Restarting BSGI: The Quad also backed the UN’s efforts to restart the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI).
  • BSGI secures the export of grain from Ukraine and Russia. The agreement had expired in July.
• UN reforms: The joint statement called for “comprehensive” UN reform, including expanding permanent and non-permanent representation on the UN Security Council.Respecting global law and order regime: emphasized the need to follow UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) rules like respecting freedom of navigation and opposing any attempts to change the current situation through force or pressure.
• Commitment to the Quad Infrastructure Fellowship Programme: The group reiterated its commitment to the Quad Infrastructure Fellowship Programme, a pandemic preparedness exercise, and the development of a “trusted and secure” telecommunications network.

News Source: The Hindu