The stamp of India was clearly visible in the unequivocal castigation of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, denunciation of the use of terrorist proxies and a categorical condemnation of the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai and the Pathankot airbase attack in 2016. The statement demanded that the Afghan territory must never be used again to threaten or attack any country or to shelter and train terrorists. A total India-US convergence on terrorism was in evidence in Tokyo.

Quad leaders also recorded their appreciation of the pioneering role of India in production and distribution of Covid vaccine under the Quad Vaccination Initiative. The importance of economic development besides security cooperation was highlighted through the specific mention of ‘shared effort to build infrastructure that was essential for driving productivity and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region’. Quad is apparently adopting a strategy to counter the Chinese game plan of building its hold on the region through economic pacts.

The Tokyo summit became a new landmark in Indo-US relations. President Biden seemed to have put the focus back on China amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict when he emphasised that ‘Quad is not just a passing fad but it means business’. He attacked Russia for its invasion of Ukraine - saying it is trying to extinguish a culture - and made out that Ukraine was not just a European issue but a global one but without making any India specific comment, urged the group to make a greater effort ‘to stop Vladimir Putin’s aggression’. Biden, in fact, was extremely enthusiastic about meeting Prime Minister Modi ‘again in person’ - he remarked that Indo-US friendship had entered a new chapter and that Indo-US ties will be among ‘the closest on the earth’. Modi described India’s relationship with the US as ‘truly a partnership of trust’ and said he is confident that this friendship will continue to be a force promoting global peace and stability.

President Biden profusely praised India’s democratic functioning and bracketed India with the US in providing leadership to the democratic world against the menace of dictatorships and autocracies. Prime Minister Modi’s handling of international relations is working exceptionally well for India. It will add to the standing and prestige of India if it offers the services of interlocutors in mediating for peaceful negotiations between Ukraine and Russia under the auspices of the UN.

—The writer is a former Director of Intelligence Bureau