New Delhi - A new policy paper has highlighted how India, the United States, Japan and Australia — both individually and collectively through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) — are emerging as key players in strengthening port infrastructure and maritime connectivity across the Bay of Bengal (BoB), one of the world’s most crucial trading hubs.

Ports serve as gateways to global commerce, handling over 80% of global merchandise trade. The BoB region alone processes nearly 30% of global trade flows, with Colombo (Sri Lanka), Chennai (India) and Chattogram (Bangladesh) among its most critical ports. Yet despite its strategic value . . .