Monday’s Indian statement touched on those themes. The alliance said it is trying to “ensure that the Indo-Pacific is accessible and dynamic, governed by international law and bedrock principles such as freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution of disputes, and that all countries are able to make their own political choices, free from coercion,” it said. Since the incident, India has looked to reaffirm links with the Quad, an informal security relationship between the US, Japan, India and Australia.Īfter a virtual summit of the leaders of those countries in March, the four authored an opinion column in the Washington Post. Indian relations with China cratered last year after a deadly clash between ground troops from the two neighbors over disputed territory in the Himalayas.Īt least 20 Indian and four Chinese troops were killed in hand-to-hand combat. “Besides regular port calls, the task group will operate in conjunction with friendly navies, to build military relations and develop interoperability in the conduct of maritime operations,” it said. India’s statement on the four-warship deployment echoed the US defense chief. “I’m especially encouraged to see our friends building stronger security ties with one another, further reinforcing the array of partnerships that keeps aggression at bay,” said Austin. Speaking during a visit to Singapore last month, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underscored the importance of increased cooperation.

The Biden administration has welcomed the presence of democratic allies and partners in the region, amid efforts to counter Beijing. Since taking office, US President Joe Biden has placed renewed focus on Asia, positioning it as the foundation of his foreign policy agenda. Prior to the recent deployment of Britain’s Carrier Strike Group, Chinese state-media accused the United Kingdom of attempting to relive the “glory days of the British Empire” while trying to stir up trouble at the behest of the US. China regularly decries the presence of foreign naval forces in the South China Sea.

12 warships in task force