Thread by @raisinadialogue

We are now LIVE tweeting the ‘in conversation’ session with Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom) and @samirsaran

Join us, #Raisina2021

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@samirsaran to Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom): How did the pandemic affect the US Indo-Pacific Command, in terms of the US forces’ readiness and resilience?

#Raisina2021

Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom): We focused on 3 priorities. We ensured the health of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. Sustained readiness on short-term needs and long-term goals. Third, we were prepared to assist others if needed. #Raisina2021

Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom): We supported the US Govt effort on blending aid / support to other countries in the region. That meant facilitating funds to build emergency facilities, hospital expansions etc. We also shipped ventilators. #Raisina2021

@samirsaran tosses an audience Q (via Varun Patel) to Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom):

What are your thoughts on the future of the #Quad grouping?

#Raisina2021

Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom): The Quad is an exceptional opportunity for the US, India, Japan and Australia. This ‘Diamond of Democracies’ can help it go beyond a common security focus, and towards an opportunity focus on areas like AI and 5G.

#Raisina2021

Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom): With its aim of a Free and Open #IndoPacific, the #Quad is a really powerful grouping and this formation of a ‘Diamond of Democracies’ can lead the world on issues that are challenging it.

#Raisina2021

Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom): The strategic threat facing the #IndoPacific region is now clear. This has been apparent with China’s approach towards Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and even the Line of Actual Control with India. #Raisina2021

Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom): Notably, the clear articulation of the threat posed by China has found its way into a relatively common dialogue across all US allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

#Raisina2021

@samirsaran to Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom): Following your recent testimony before the US Senate Armed Services Committee, how real is the nature of the #China threat?
#Raisina2021

Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom): The China threat will manifest within this decade. I would say, it would come about in the next 6 years. That is not to say that the threat is six years away. Recent tensions along the India-China border are a testament to that. #Raisina2021

Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom): Under the moniker of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, it is important for nations that are like-minded to work together on opposing those seeking to impose their own closed and authoritarian system onto the international community. #Raisina2021

Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom): We need to pay attention to the China threat closely. And when I say 'we', I mean the international community.

#Raisina2021

Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom): On the recent US FONOP in India’s EEZ, the US conducts such operations around the world. We do that in accordance with our adherence to the 1982 UNCLOS. Approach is not about any individual country, it’s about access to the seas. #Raisina2021

We come to a close of our session with the Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command (@indopacom).

Thank you for joining us!

#Raisina2021

This session live tweeted by

#Team @orfamerica @orfonline
@kparpiani
@byniknat

🙏 #Raisina2021

ICYMI👇
@samirsaran in conversation with Admiral Phil Davidson (@indopacom)

*Pro tip*: Don't miss the last 2 Q & As.