Tokyo, May 24:

Opening the crucial Quad summit in Tokyo, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Quad’s efforts are encouraging a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. He said mutual trust and determination are giving new hope to democratic principles, adding that Quad has gained world prominence.

He said, “At the Quad level, with our mutual cooperation, a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific Region is being encouraged – it is the shared goal of all of us:”

“Quad has made an important place for itself before the world in such a short span of time. Today, Quad’s scope has become extensive, its form effective. Our mutual trust and our determination are giving new energy and enthusiasm to democratic powers,” PM Modi added.

He also said despite the adverse situation created by Covid-19, coordination was increased for vaccine delivery, climate action, supply chain resilience, disaster response, economic cooperation and other areas. It has ensured peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

He also congratulated newly elected Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and said, “I congratulate Albanese. To be here within 24 hours shows your commitment to Quad.”

The Quad or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue comprises India, the US, Japan and Australia.

PM Modi, who is visiting Tokyo at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, will hold separate bilateral meetings with Biden, Kishida and Albanese on the sidelines of the summit.

He had hosted Kishida for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit in March 2022.

“During my visit to Tokyo, I look forward to continuing our conversation further, with an aim to strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” PM Modi said ahead of his visit.

He said economic cooperation between India and Japan is an important aspect of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Modi also said that he was looking forward to a bilateral meeting with newly-elected Australian Prime Minister Albanese during which the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and regional and global issues of mutual interest will be discussed.