Quad summit with US, Japan and Australia

With an eye firmly on China, the leaders of the Quad alliance — India, US, Japan and Australia — underscored the importance of a "free and open" Indo-Pacific region during the group's first-ever leaders' summit on Friday.

"We're united by our democratic values and our commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as he thanked US President Joe Biden for the first virtual summit of the four-nation alliance.

"I see this positive vision as an extension of India's ancient philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' which regards the world as one family. We will work together closely as ever before for advancing shared values and promoting secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific," PM Modi said in his opening remarks.

President Biden, opening the meeting, said the Quad would be a vital arena for cooperation and a free and open Indo-Pacific region was essential to all of their futures. "We know our commitments…Our region is governed by international law, committed to all the universal values and free from coercion but I am optimistic about our prospect," he said, in an apparent reference to China.

"The United States is committed to working with you and with all our allies in the region to achieve stability. This group is particularly important because it is dedicated to the practical solutions and concrete results," the US President added.