US calls for expansion of QUAD

US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun has called for expansion of Quad, saying like-minded countries and groupings must join hands to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Addressing the India-US forum in New Delhi, he said, the coalition can be extended to broader areas of shared interests and with other like-minded partners seeking a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Biegun said, in Southeast Asia, Quad partners can deepen engagement with 10-nation ASEAN grouping, cooperate in defending freedom of the seas, and work together in governance, health, environmental protection and transparent data sharing.

He said Quad is a partnership driven by shared interests, not binding obligations, and is not intended to be an exclusive grouping.