Shinzo Abe played key role in revival of Quad, says Jaishankar

Strengthening of India’s bilateral ties with each of its three partners — USA, Japan and Australia — between 2007 and 2017- contributed majorly to revival of Quad and former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe played a big role in the process, said foreign minister S Jaishankar.

“The Quad was launched in 2007 but it took off when bilateral relations between India and the est three improved over the next 10 years,” said Jaishankar while paying tributes to Abe at a memorial organised by Ananta Aspen Centre, India’s leading public policy body. Abe was a key supporter of several track two level dialogues between India and Japan led by Ananta Aspen Centre. Abe developed a keen interest in India. It was reflected in his encouragement to draw a trilateral among India, US and Japan, said Jaishankar. “Abe San had a special place for India in his heart. He prepared Japan to face a more uncertain and turbulent world.He strove to create a rule-based order that recognises the importance of democratic values,” he said.

The minister also recalled how his personal ties developed with Abe over decades since the time the former was posted in Tokyo as a diplomat in the Indian Embassy.


Jaishankar's reference to Abe’s foreign policy approach noted that the former PM understood the big picture and geopolitics better than many others. He understood that Japan’s global role was changing.

He conceptualised the Indo-Pacific Region. Abe was bold and entrepreneurial, according to Jaishankar.

Kurt Campbell, the Indo-Pacific coordinator for the White House National Security Council, who also virtually spoke on the occasion from the USA, said Abe will be looked back on as one of the most significant leaders in modern Asia.

Campbell who had worked with Abe reflected on him as someone who understood the changing security dynamics. Others who spoke on the occasion included former Australian PM Tony Abbott and Abe’s close aide Tomohiko Taniguchi besides Tarun Das, founding trustee Ananta Aspen Centre.