SOURCE: AFI
India may soon host a crucial meeting of National Security Advisors (NSAs) from the Quad countries – the United States, Australia, Japan, and India – on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue, scheduled for February 21-23. This high-level gathering is expected to address various security concerns, including a potential discussion on the alleged assassination plot against Khalistan separatist and US national Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
The Quad has emerged as a significant strategic grouping in the Indo-Pacific region, aiming to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, address shared security challenges, and collaborate on issues like maritime security, counterterrorism, and critical technologies. This NSA meeting presents an opportunity for further coordination and strategic alignment among the member nations.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is reportedly expected to raise the issue of the alleged plot to assassinate Pannun, a designated terrorist by India and the US. India has been cooperating with the US in investigating the case, with multiple arrests made in India related to the alleged plot. This discussion could shed light on the progress of the investigation and potential avenues for further collaboration in countering terrorism.
While the Pannun case might be a key point of focus, the NSA meeting is likely to cover a broader range of security concerns relevant to the Indo-Pacific region. Discussions could encompass maritime security in the South China Sea, the ongoing Myanmar crisis, and the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region.
The Raisina Dialogue, with its focus on geopolitics and security, serves as an ideal backdrop for this Quad NSA meeting. It offers a platform for high-level strategic dialogue, fostering closer cooperation and joint approaches to address regional challenges. The outcome of this meeting will be keenly watched by regional and global stakeholders, offering insights into the Quad’s future trajectory and its role in shaping the Indo-Pacific security architecture.