Quad partners "essential" for "free and open" Indo-Pacific: US Envoy Sergio Gor ahead of Manila summit
New Delhi, July 20
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has stated that Washington's Quad partners are "essential" to securing a free and open Indo-Pacific, highlighting the importance of regional security frameworks ahead of his high-profile diplomatic visit to Southeast Asia.
In a post on X, the US envoy expressed his enthusiasm regarding the upcoming strategic engagements, stating: "Looking forward to joining @SecRubio this week in the Philippines for our second Ministerial Quad meeting of the year. The United States is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, our Quad partners are essential!"
The ambassador's statement followed an announcement from the United States Department of State on Saturday confirming that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Manila between July 19 and 23 to participate in a sequence of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits.
According to an official release from the State Department, the senior American envoy will utilise the regional visit to both "demonstrate the tangible results of US-ASEAN partnership and to deepen the US' comprehensive partnership with the Philippines".
Underscoring the strategic and commercial pillars of Washington's foreign policy in the geographic sector, the department added: "The Secretary's visit advances a clear US priority: a free and open Indo-Pacific that delivers safety, security, and prosperity for the region and for the American people".
During the five-day mission, Secretary Rubio is slated to take part in the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
The State Department confirmed that the cabinet official will additionally engage in separate bilateral talks with high-ranking dignitaries representing various Indo-Pacific nations on the margins of the main conferences.
The arrival of the top US diplomat aligns with broader multilateral events in the capital, as Secretary Rubio joins an assembly of international foreign ministers convening in the Philippines for the high-profile multilateral dialogues.
Manila is hosting the diplomatic events in its capacity as the current holder of the rotating ASEAN chairmanship.
From July 19 to 24, the Philippines is hosting the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM), the Post-Ministerial Conferences (PMC), and a commemorative event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
This week-long gathering will be attended by foreign ministers from across the region as well as key international dialogue partners.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some serious diplomatic moves! The ASEAN region is crucial for India's Act East policy. If Quad can help stabilize the South China Sea and ensure freedom of navigation, that's a win for our trade with Southeast Asia. Hope the Manila summit delivers real outcomes.
Another summit, another photo op. What concrete steps have come out of Quad so far? India needs to be careful not to get dragged into US-China rivalry. Our relationship with Beijing is complicated enough without adding more tensions. Let's focus on practical cooperation like vaccine distribution and tech sharing.
As an Indian living in Southeast Asia, I see the Quad's importance firsthand. China's assertiveness in the South China Sea is real, and smaller ASEAN nations need a counterbalance. But India must maintain its strategic autonomy—we're not anyone's junior partner. Balances needs to be struck. 🤔
The 50th anniversary of TAC is significant—shows ASEAN's role in maintaining regional stability. India has always supported ASEAN centrality. But I hope Quad doesn't become an exclusive club. We need inclusive frameworks that respect all nations' sovereignty, not just big power interests.
From a US perspective, this engagement is crucial for maintaining regional stability. The Quad has evolved beyond just security talks to include vaccines, climate tech, and infrastructure. India's role as a bridge between developed and developing nations is invaluable here. Looking forward to concrete outcomes from Manila.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.