Quad Nations Pledge Stronger Cybersecurity Cooperation to Counter Regional Threats
SINGAPORE — Senior officials from India, the United States, Japan and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cybersecurity cooperation, improving regional resilience and developing capabilities to defend against emerging cyber threats across the Indo-Pacific.
The discussions took place Tuesday during the Quad Cyber Senior Officials’ Meeting in Singapore, according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Representatives from the four countries exchanged views on strengthening cybersecurity capabilities, deterring cyberattacks and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“The four parties reaffirmed their shared emphasis on enhancing regional resilience and capacity to determine their own paths under the updated ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP) and exchanged views on cooperation to strengthen cyber capabilities in the region and to defend against and deter cyber threats,” Japan’s Foreign Ministry said.
The officials also agreed to maintain close cooperation on cybersecurity matters.
Participants included Takaba Yo, Japan’s ambassador in charge of cyber policy; Tori Lamb, Australia’s assistant secretary for cyber affairs and critical technology; and Joshua Young, senior bureau official for the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Emerging Threats. An Indian official responsible for cyber diplomacy, e-governance and information technology also attended.
The Quad, comprising India, Australia, Japan and the United States, seeks to promote security, economic cooperation and regional stability while supporting an open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific.
The latest cybersecurity discussions follow a series of meetings aimed at expanding cooperation in critical technologies, maritime security and economic security.
Last month, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri hosted a meeting of Quad senior officials in New Delhi to review progress on existing initiatives and identify opportunities for closer collaboration.
The United States was represented by Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, while Australia sent Deputy Secretary Elly Lawson and Japan was represented by Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Hiroyuki Namazu.
“The Sherpas reviewed progress across ongoing Quad initiatives and discussed ways to further strengthen practical cooperation, with a shared commitment to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the U.S. State Department said.
The meeting covered maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity, critical and emerging technologies, and humanitarian assistance and emergency response.
Officials also reviewed developments across the Indo-Pacific and broader international security concerns.
“The Quad Sherpas reaffirmed the importance of focussing on concrete, action-oriented initiatives,” the State Department said.
The four countries have also emphasized greater diplomatic coordination through meetings of their foreign ministers.
In July, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar joined Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and expressed support for the unity and central role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in regional affairs.
In a joint statement, they emphasized the Quad’s commitment to regional prosperity and continued cooperation with ASEAN and its member countries.
The Singapore meeting reinforces the grouping’s broader efforts to address emerging security challenges, particularly those involving digital infrastructure, critical technologies and cyber resilience. (Source: IANS)
