Q. Which 4 nations held their first official level talks to keep the Indo-Pacific region inclusive and open?- Published on 13 Nov 17a. Japan, Australia, India, US
b. Japan, Australia, India, UK
c. Japan, Australia, India, UAE
d. Japan, Australia, India, Canada
ANSWER: Japan, Australia, India, US
Giving shape to their security cooperation under the proposed quadrilateral coalition, India, the US, Japan and Australia today held their first official- level talks to keep the Indo-Pacific region free, open and inclusive, a move that comes amid China's growing military presence in the strategic area.
Soon after the meeting, all the four countries issued separate statements listing Indo-Pacific as the major area of the their discussions and resolved to work towards upholding a rules-based order and ensuring respect for international law in the region.
The meeting comes ahead of the ASEAN summit which is also likely to discuss the security challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region and China's military expansion in the South China Sea.
The formation of a quadrilateral security dialogue comprising India, the US, Australia and Japan was first mooted around 10 years back but it did not see light of the day.
Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono last month had said that Tokyo favours the quadrilateral dialogue to further boost strategic partnership among the four countries.
Reacting to the Japanese move, India had said that it was open to working with like-minded countries on issues that advance its interests.
The US had said it was looking at a "working-level" quadrilateral meeting in the near term with India, Japan and Australia.
The US and Japan have been pushing for deeper Indian role in the Indo-Pacific region.
The use of the term "Indo-Pacific" by Trump has led to speculation that it may have something to do with Washington preparing the ground for a revival of the Quadrilateral alliance between the US, Japan, Australia and India to counter China's rise.
