Press Release: CIHS Hosts Interactive Dialogue on “Quad – Way Forward” with Japanese Political Affairs Minister Mr. Noriaki Abe at India International Centre

New Delhi, July 11, 2025 – The Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies (CIHS), in association with the Embassy of Japan in India, hosted an interactive session on “Quad – Way Forward” on July 10, 2025, at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The keynote speaker for the event was Mr. Noriaki Abe, Minister for Political Affairs, Embassy of Japan in India.

The session, held in the backdrop of the recently concluded Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington D.C., brought together distinguished scholars, diplomats, policy experts, and students for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving regional architecture of the Indo-Pacific.

In his keynote address, Mr. Abe emphasised Japan’s commitment to advancing a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, highlighting the importance of deepening strategic cooperation among Quad partners, India, Japan, the United States, and Australia, amidst rapidly shifting geopolitical currents in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Mr. K A Badarinath, Chief Executive & Director of CIHS, in his welcome address emphasised the importance of multilateral frameworks like Quad in ensuring regional peace and people-to-people exchanges in reinforcing the Quad’s shared vision.

During the interactive Q&A session, Mr. Abe responded with openness and insight to participants thought-provoking questions on topics ranging from supply chain resilience to economic and maritime security.

Delivering a vote of thanks, Rahul Pawa, Director of Research at CIHS, expressed gratitude to Mr. Noriaki Abe for lending such distinction and clear-eyed presentation of Japan’s Quad priorities and unwavering respect for sovereignty resonated deeply with India’s own strategic vision. He also thanked the distinguished scholars for their participation and contributing to a meaningful dialogue that reaffirmed CIHS’s commitment to advancing informed dialogue on international cooperation, regional stability, and strategic foresight in the Indo-Pacific.