Tokyo: India on Tuesday dubbed the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as Quad, as an 'important platform for practical cooperation.' The statement by New Delhi came ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Aug. 29-30 visit to Japan, for a summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Both nations are members of the Quad, led by the US, which also includes Australia.
According to Anadolu Agency, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the importance of the Quad in promoting peace, stability, prosperity, and development in the Indo-Pacific region. Misri noted that the agenda of the Quad has expanded in recent years to address practical cooperation in areas such as health security and critical and emerging technologies. He highlighted recent discussions among Quad nations regarding critical minerals and efforts to make supply chains more resilient, alongside infrastructure development.
Misri stressed that these issues are priorities for both India and Japan, adding, "Both our countries attach high value to this forum and to this partnership. We look forward to working with all Quad partners to take our cooperation forward." The two nations have upgraded their ties to a "special strategic and global partnership" since 2014, with bilateral trade volume rising to $21 billion last year. Additionally, India and Japan have increased regional activities, including joint maritime drills with the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea.
On Tuesday, New Delhi launched two new warships, coinciding with Modi's inauguration and flag-off of the 'e Vitara,' Japan's motor corporation Suzuki's first made-in-India electric vehicle. Modi's trip to Japan occurs amidst trade tensions with the US, as both Asian allies face tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. While Japan secured a trade deal with the US at 15% tariffs, India faces 50% tariffs without a bilateral trade agreement, due to its purchases of Russian oil amid the Ukraine conflict.
The 50% tariffs on Indian imports to the US are set to take effect Wednesday, as per a US notice to New Delhi. An additional 25% tariff was imposed on India for its purchase of discount Russian oil and its stance on a bilateral trade deal. Trade between the US and India reached $129 billion in 2024, with Washington posting a $45.7 billion trade deficit, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
Following his Japan visit, Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization leaders' summit in China on Aug. 31-Sept. 1, marking his first visit to the northern neighbor in seven years. Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, their second meeting since last October in Kazan, Russia.