Firm missives to China & Pak: Quad blasts 'terror proxies', pledges support to 'small islands'
New Delhi:
In stinging messages to Pakistan and its neo-found 'iron brother', China, the four-nation Quad has issued a strong statement denouncing 'use of terrorist proxies' and asserted that it will"continue to champion adherence to international law" in blue waters.
The Joint Statement issued at the end of the first in person Summit of leaders and nations and governments heads from India, US, Australia and Japan, the forum called for "end of violence" and return of democracy in Myanmar and backed "complete denuclearisation" of North Korea.
"Quad is a force for regional peace, stability, security, and prosperity. Towards that end, we will continue to champion adherence to international law, particularly as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to meet challenges to the maritime rules-based order, including in the East and South China Seas," the Joint Statement said.
"We affirm our support to small island states, especially those in the Pacific," said the statement
after the meet in Washington which was presided over by US President Joe Biden and was attended by PMs Narendra Modi, Scott Morrison and Yoshihide Suga.
It said: "In South Asia, we will closely coordinate our diplomatic, economic, and human-rights policies towards Afghanistan and will deepen our counter-terrorism and humanitarian cooperation in the months ahead in accordance with UNSCR 2593".
The Joint Statement reaffirmed that Afghan territory should not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or to finance terrorist acts, and reiterate the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan.
"We denounce the use of terrorist proxies and emphasized the importance of denying any logistical, financial or military support to terrorist groups which could be used to launch or plan terror attacks, including cross-border attacks," it said.
The strong statement has a significance as terror groups and elements in Pakistan establishmenthave been linking the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan to foment bigger troubles and terrorismin Kashmir.
"We stand together in support of Afghan nationals, and call on the Taliban to provide safe passage to any person wishing to leave Afghanistan, and to ensure that the human rights of all Afghans, including women, children, and minorities are respected".
"We also recognize that our shared futures will be written in the Indo-Pacific, and we will redouble our efforts to ensure that the Quad is a force for regional peace, stability, security, and prosperity. Towards that end, we will continue to champion adherence to international law, particularly as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to meet challenges to the maritime rules-based order, including in the East and South China Seas".
It reaffirmed firm commitment to the "complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with UNSC resolutions and also confirmed the necessity of immediate resolution of the issue of Japanese abductees.
"We urge North Korea to abide by its UN obligations, refrain from provocations".
"We continue to call for the end to violence in Myanmar, the release of all political detainees, including foreigners, engagement in constructive dialogue, and for the early restoration of democracy. We further call for the urgent implementation of the ASEAN Five Point Consensus," the statement said.
The Quad summit, it said, has been an opportunity to refocus ourselves and the world on the Indo-Pacific.
The Quad committed to work together and with a range of partners.
"We reaffirm our strong support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality and for ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and we underscore our dedication towards working with ASEAN and its member states — the heart of the Indo-Pacific region—in practical and inclusive ways".
It also welcomed the September 2021 EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Quad countries will also coordinate their diplomacy to raise global ambition, including reaching out to key stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific region, it said.
Quad feels Pakistan has been 'instigator' of problems in Af-Pak region
New Delhi: In a major setback to Islamabad and its pro-terror policies, the four-nation Quad on September 24 discussed at length Pakistan's role in Afghanistan and its involvement in terrorism.
"...When you see Pakistan projecting itself as a facilitator whether it has really been in many sense instigator of some of the problems we are dealing with in our neighbourhood and beyond," Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla told reporters after the Quad Summit and also bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Us President Joe Biden in Washington.
"Both in bilateral discussions and in Quad summit, there was a clear sense that more careful look, examination and monitoring Pakistan's role in Afghanistan and Pakistan's role on the issue of terrorism had to be kept," he said answering questions.
The first in-person Summit was hosted by Biden and attended by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi, Scott Morrison of Australia and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga.
Shringla further said it has been also appreciated that "whether it is Quad or other partners" had to keep track of that factor (Pakistani role).
"This is an important factor that sometimes gets overlooked when you see Pakistan projecting itself as a facilitator whether it has really been in many sense instigator of some of the problems we are dealing with in our neighbourhood and beyond," the Foreign Secretary said.
"Clear concern was expressed on Pakistan's role in Afghanistan and continuing support for approaches that didn't seem to be conducive," he said.
At the Quad Summit, PM Modi proposed a common international travelling protocol involving mutual recognition of the COVID19 (vaccination) certificate.
"It was well-received by all Quad leaders".
He further said the Prime Minister invited President Biden to visit India to which Mr Biden noted with thanks and appreciation.
India will certainly "look forward to the visit" of the US President at the earliest and mutual convenience, the Foreign Secretary said.
There was also an appreciation of India's presidency of the UN Security Council in August especially on the Afghanistan issue.
President Biden was very specific in stating that he felt India should have a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, said Mr Shringla.
Biden pitches for "closer and tighter" bond with India, asks Modi "Are we related"
........ "Yes" - retorts Indian PM
'Kemchho' from Barack Obama to 'Are we related?' from Joe Biden - Indian Prime Minister has come a pretty long way in stewarding his now credited the Modi-Doctrine in India-USA relationship.
"....The seeds have been sown for an even stronger friendship between India and USA," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in presence of President Joe Biden just before entering into delegation level bilateral Summit.
In their first formal meeting after Biden took over as US President, he made a strong case of a "stronger, closer and tighter" bond with India and quizzed Modi "Are we related".
Not the one to be taken back, Modi also replied in affirmative "Yes" - of course jokingly.
The jovial mood for the parleys coming on the backdrop of the Afghanistan fiasco and the Taliban takeover was kicked off by the US President himself in his opening remarks.
Biden explained that he had learned about an 'Indian branch of the Biden family' when he was first elected to Congress in 1972 and received a letter from someone called Biden living in Mumbai.
“I found out that there was a Captain George Biden, who was a captain in the East India tea company,” Biden said.
Biden said he learned that George Biden stayed in India and married an Indian woman.
“But I have have never been able to track it down, so the whole purpose of this meeting is for him to help me figure out who he was!” Modi speaking after Biden said, he had mentioned the connection to him previously, so he had hunted for documents that could help.
Obviously, there was laughter and much jovial mood in the room unlike normal diplomatic engagements marred by seriousness or some controversies.
Just a few hours back, some journalists were shepherded out when Biden was addressing the media with British PM Boris Johnson.
Modi surprised Biden! “Today I have brought along some documents...Maybe those documents could be of use to you". Biden's response could be anticipated certainly.
Albeit the Indo-US relations have grown manifold steadily and both sides consider each other today a key and dependable partner. And more so - as world's two great democracies have to deal with the Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Biden administration, according to an insider, understands that the challenges of the 21st century will largely play out in the Indo-Pacific; and "we are doubling down on our efforts".
The stronger India-US ties and the Quad will be thus part of a larger fabric of engagements.
The Quad will be a key and critical format, and rightly so after their meeting, Biden and Modi joined the leaders of Japan and Australia - PM Suga and Scott Morrison for the first in-person Quad Summit.
For his part. in his opening remarks at the Quad, PM Modi described it as a force of 'global good'. The message could not have been clearer to China.
The 'hegemony' of Beijing in the region and South China Sea has lately unnerved countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines and Australia.
“Today’s bilateral summit is important. We are meeting at the start of the third decade of this century. Your leadership will certainly play an important role in how this decade is shaped. The seeds have been sown for an even stronger friendship between India and USA,” PM Modi told Biden during the meeting.
Biden's reciprocal gesture was equally significant.
"We're launching a new chapter in the history of US-Indian ties and taking on some of the toughest challenges we face together," he said. Biden could not have been more candid.
It goes without stating that for the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Biden had come under attack.
Lately surveys disclosed that his popularity ratings too dropped. Even a day before, he looked tense and this tension was reflected in the White House officials ensure that journos are'shepherded' from a mid-way briefing.
But perhaps Biden has started a fresh and his discomfiture certainly looked less or evaporated on Friday as Modi's interaction and body language of Biden shows.
There is certain an importance of moral and 'critical support' from PM Modi, another leader much maligned and slammed by detractors mostly out of prejudiced notion and some well established narratives.
Notably, Indian Foreign Secretary, Harsh V Shringla said - "When the issue of terrorism came up, the Vice President suo moto referred to Pakistan's role in that regard. She said that they were terror groups that were working there. She asked Pakistan to take action, so that this these groups do not impact on US security and that of India." ....
Thus, Pak role in encouraging and sheltering terror elements remain an issue, but Indo-Pacific and Quad rhetoric make it clear that China is the real 'Dragon' (real trouble element) in the room!
Importance of Gandhian philosophy:
At the bilateral meeting with President Biden, Mr Modi said: "You mentioned, there are more
than four million Indian Americans who are participating in the journey of progress of America.
When I look at the importance of this decade, and the role that is going to be played by this
talent of the Indian Americans, I find that the people-to-people talent will play a greater role".
Both the leaders mentioned 'Gandhi Jayanti' that comes up next week.
"As the world celebrates Mahatma Gandhi's birthday next week, we're all reminded that his message of nonviolence, respect, tolerance matters today, maybe more than it ever has," Biden said.
Mr Modi said: "Mahatma Gandhi always used to talk about the principle of trusteeship, trusteeship of the planet.
"It means that the planet that we have, we have to bequeath it to the following generations, and this
sentiment of trusteeship is going to assume more and more importance globally,".
"The responsibility of global citizens is only going to go up," the Prime Minister said.
ends
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