As part of the Raisina Dialogue, an annual multinational conference geared toward issues facing the global community, that took place at New Delhi on January 9 this year, Navy Adm. Philip S. Davidson, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, answered questions during a panel discussion. He noted that the Indo-Pacific region should be about building communities, not about confrontation.
The United States recognizes the changing dynamics in the region, Davidson told panel moderator Yalda Hakim, “As we look back … it has been allies and partners that have come together in times of crisis, not to conquer others, but to liberate them. We have proved time and time again that a strategic partnership and set of alliances will triumph for the good of global stability.”
The panelists, U.S. Navy Admiral Philip S. Davidson, Admiral Sunil Lanba, chief of India’s naval staff, Admiral Christophe Prazuck, chief of France’s naval staff, Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, chief of Japan’s joint staff, and Army General Angus J. Campbell, chief of Australia’s defense staff, were repeatedly asked about military aspects of the so-called “Quad Alliance.” An outgrowth of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, it features India, Japan, Australia and the United States. “The multilateral nature of alliances and partnerships enables much more combat power,” Davidson said. “The United States has a strategic partnership with India that advanced greatly last year.”
There is no formal military partnership, the panelists said, and it is not an Indo-Pacific NATO. “It’s a growing relationship, which is robust,” said Lanba. “It will only grow as time goes by.” The Quad is “a burgeoning relationship rooted in some 25 years now,” Davidson added, “and we look forward to building it in the future.”
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
