Discuss boosting vaccine diplomacy and Strengthening Indo-Pacific region
New Delhi, Mar 15: The leaders of the 4 Quad countries India, Australia, Japan, and the US met virtually on Friday for the first Quad summit. The grouping, known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), has existed since 2004, to discuss the after-effects of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake & tsunami. Officials from the respective countries have met on an ad-hoc (when necessary) basis. This summit is significant as the leaders of the 4 states attend the Quad meet for the first time.
Highlights of the meet:
• Development and distribution of Covid-19 vaccine was one of the focal discussion of the meeting. Hyderabad based Biological. E Limited (India’s biggest tetanus vaccine producer) has been chosen to work with the US Development Finance Cooperation to develop one billion doses of the vaccine by the end of 2022. While U.S. and Japan will contribute towards funding to expand India’s manufacturing capacity,
Australia will provide the logistical support to ensure smooth vaccine delivery.
• They also acknowledged the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region and discussed strengthening it by conducting joint naval exercises. The first of its kind will begin on 19th March 2021.
