In the last op-ed of 2024 in The @SundayGuardian, I highlight how the Quad was upgraded to the summit level during Donald Trump's first presidency and expanded in scope during Joe Biden's presidency. Initially focused on the strategic security significance of the US, Australia, India, and Japan coming together as part of the “US-led security latticework” in the redefined and rechristened Indo-Pacific region, the Quad has evolved to include ever-expanding cooperation on delivering global public goods (GPGs). Marking India’s geopolitical & geo-economic footprint in what used to be the out-of-bounds Asia-Pacific region over the past decade, the Quad, as a maritime security grouping aimed at restraining China militarily, now seeks to act as a counterpoise to China’s transactional BRI, debt diplomacy, and trade-deficit approach, and be a “global force for good.” The Quad’s GPGs span key areas, including: Infrastructure: undersea cable connectivity, ports, and digital public infrastructure (DPI). Health security: pandemic and infectious disease prevention, detection, and response. Supply chain resilience and security: especially in critical and rare earth minerals. Critical and emerging technologies: Open RAN/5G, AI (Quad AI Engage), supply chain contingency, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and space coordination. Climate action: early warning systems (CIS) and clean energy supply chain diversification. Maritime cooperation: “dark vessel” maritime domain awareness data, Coast Guard collaboration, and humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR), with broader coordination envisioned for the IORA, SEA, and PIC regions. The Quad’s GPGs enable it to adopt a mantle of strategic ambiguity, presenting itself as a non-threatening, benign, and stabilising force in the turbulent waters of the Indo-Pacific. In a short span, it has become a convener, policy formulator, programme executor, and deliverer of essential GPGs needed by the region. Furthermore, the Quad convenes at summit and ministerial levels, engaging officials, academics, and the private sector. It undertakes bilateral, trilateral, and quadrilateral outreach in collaboration with other Indo-Pacific partners and complements efforts within organisations such as the UN, IMF/World Bank, G20, APEC, ASEAN, and IORA, supported by significant investment from Quad countries. For India, this is a win-win partnership. It leads in its core strength areas while leveraging the Quad to promote its strategic, security, sustainable development (SDG), and Vikasit Bharat interests. The Quad also serves as a vehicle for Global South outreach, fostering triangular North-South-South cooperation to establishing essential governance modules. As four democracies, there will always be fluctuations in the extent and intensity of engagement of each when there is a change of government but so far they have kept faith. I advocate for strategies to ensure the continued support of the incoming Trump Administration in the U.S. for the #GPGs agenda of #QUAD by reframing them as essential soft security issues that contribute to #MAGA and America first agendas while benefiting both the Indo-Pacific and humanity at large.

Such fun to celebrate #saree tradition in this and other photosessions of our @LTEmbassyDelhi all-women team! #Delhi 🇱🇹🇮🇳 Happy #InternationalSareeDay #internationalsareeday @MEAIndia @MinOfCultureGoI @TexMinIndia @uttamdev @IndEmbVilnius

Slice of History I Discussed 23rd SR Level India-China Boundary Talks with Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar @asajjanhar in studio where Mahatma Gandhi recorded his interview with All India Radio. Studio is now called Bapu Studio. Watch:

#Gukesh #Chennai #MKStalin #TamilNadu Rs 5 crore award for Gukesh! Tamil Nadu CM felicitates World Chess Champion Read:

Election is the very soul of any democracy. The freedom to criticize, engage in rhetoric, and even mudslinging is inherent to the electoral process. Though contentious, it can strengthen democracy. Yet, considering its impact on governance, economy, and society, ‘One Nation, One Election’ stands out as the most logical and beneficial solution for India. With a single, synchronized election, leaders will have ample time to focus on development and fulfilling mandates instead of constant election cycles. It will also empower voters to make informed choices. #OneNationOneElection

WHERE IS PAKISTAN HEADED? / A CASA - #GUNNERSSHOT WEBINAR with @atahasnain53 @kartha_tara @asajjanhar @GautamMoorthy was special since it explored new paths the #Pakistan can evolve into. Interesting combos ahead. via @YouTube @thecasaforum

Ashok Sajjanhar @asajjanhar, Member of the Executive Council of the M.Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses and President of the Institute for Global Studies,shared his thoughts on the changing global order and the role of middle powers in shaping a new world order.