Going forward, there are many areas worth exploring for collaboration within the QUAD. Artificial Intelligence is one domain where partnership could help counter China’s activities in Asia, especially its use of AI for techno-authoritarian purposes.

"Our long coastline with deep-water ports, a prosperous Exclusive Economic Zone and islands at both ends present a unique position. The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) accounts for more than two-thirds of the world's oil shipments," he said. "One-third of bulk cargo and more than half of container traffic pass through it. The safety of these sea routes is not only directly connected to our economic interests, but it also establishes India as a Net Security Provider in IOR," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India's focus on a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific as also the principle of ASEAN centrality in the region