India okay to Australia being part of Asia-Pacific grouping

India was open to working with like-minded countries on issues that advance its interests

The government on Friday rejected reports of any new developments in Doklam or its vicinity. New Delhi also said it was open to suggestions of Australia being part of the ‘quad’ in the Asia-Pacific, which is seen as an alliance to counter China’s influence in the region.

“I would like to reiterate that there is no new development at the face-off site and its vicinity since the August 28 disengagement,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, when asked about a media report that China had increased its military presence in areas close to Doklam.

“Status quo prevails in the area and