Quad members announce setting up of counter-terrorism working group

Source: The post is based on the article “Quad members announce setting up of counter-terrorism working group” published in The Hindu on 4th March 2023.

What is the News?

Quad leaders comprising the US, Japan, Australia, and India have issued a joint statement. 

What are the key highlights from the Quad statement?

Announced setting up of Quad Working Group On Counter-terrorism: The group would explore measures to counter new and emerging forms of terrorism, radicalisation, and violent extremism.

On Ukraine issue: The group called for lasting peace in Ukraine and in an oblique reference to the Russian invasion of Ukraine underlined respect for territorial sovereignty and integrity.

– Significance of this statement on Ukraine: The first reference to the Ukraine war in a joint statement of the Quad Foreign Ministers means the grouping, which had so far been concentrating mostly on the aggressive Chinese behaviour in the Indo-Pacific, has broadened its scope to include Russia. 

– Without naming Russia, the ministers sent Russia a clear message by calling for peace in Ukraine and the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity.