QUAD nations to participate in first joint air exercise

The exercise, titled 'Cope India', will be hosted in the first week of November.

While India and the US will lead the exercise, Australia and Japan will participate as observers, reported The Tribune.

The upcoming event will see Australia's first participation in a major QUAD event.

What is QUAD?

As per the Australian government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, the QUAD is a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States committed to supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.

It is a key pillar in Australia's foreign policy and complements bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation, including with partners in Southeast Asia, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean.

The QUAD is focused on delivering outcomes for the Indo-Pacific, in response to the region's priorities and most pressing challenges.

QUAD countries are working together to strengthen maritime and transnational security, promote economic security and prosperity, harness critical and emerging technologies, strengthen cyber security, and bolster our ability to respond to regional emergencies.