Want A Region Where Sovereignty Is Respected: Australian Minister On Quad

Quad are countries "which have a shared view about the importance of the international system, the international rule of law, trading arrangements which are transparent and fair".

The Quad is crucial in terms of the power balance in southeast Asia and the growing partnership with India is important in terms of a "shared view" about what happens in the region, Australian foreign minister Penny Wong told NDTV in an exclusive interview today.

India and Australia, she said, shares "democratic traditions, which we value, democratic institutions, which we value, and interests about the sort of region we want to live in... it is peaceful, stable and prosperous, a region where sovereignty is respected, and so we're working together to ensure that occurs," she said.

Asked how Australia sees its relationship with China as opposed to Quad, often seen as an "anti-China alliance", Ms Wong -- who is in Delhi for the second India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogues -- said Australia will continue to engage with China and disagree where it is needed.