Antony Blinken says US, Australia, India, Japan have made important strides to advance free and open Indo-Pacific

"Since the Quad Leaders Summit, the U.S., Australia, India, and Japan have made important strides to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific," he posted on X.

Blinken said the Quad leaders have improved internet connectivity in the region which has prevented cyber attacks in the belt.

"The Quad has improved internet connectivity in the region, helped prevent cyber attacks, and invested in the next generation of STEM leaders," Blinken said.

Quad brings together four countries - India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, with a commitment to work as a force for global good and to support an open, free, and inclusive Indo-Pacific that is prosperous and resilient.

Quad came together during the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean region to coordinate response and assistance to countries in the region.

The first meeting of Quad officials took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum summit in the Philippines in May 2007.

After a gap of 10 years, Quad officials met in Manila in November 2017 on the margins of the East Asia Summit for consultations on connectivity issues; maritime security and counter-terrorism; shared principles for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific; and proliferation threats in Asia.