The foreign ministers of the Quad nations convened in New Delhi, marking a significant assembly aimed at bolstering collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and the economic uncertainties arising from the conflict in West Asia. India’s external affairs minister, S. Jaishankar, engaged with Australian foreign minister Penny Wong, Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and US secretary of state Marco Rubio in what was the first meeting of Quad foreign ministers in nearly a year.
This meeting seeks to invigorate the Quad alliance and enhance cooperation on several fronts, including maritime security, economic resilience, infrastructure development, critical minerals, and disaster response. Prior to the main session, bilateral talks between Jaishankar and Motegi were held, focusing on economic security and the ramifications of the West Asia crisis on energy supplies and trade. Both nations underscored the crucial need for stability in the Indo-Pacific and the safeguarding of maritime routes.
Japanese foreign minister Motegi noted the global landscape’s significant structural changes driven by shifting power dynamics and increasing conflicts. He emphasized the shared responsibility of India and Japan in shaping the future international order. Meanwhile, Australia highlighted the Quad’s pivotal role in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity within the Indo-Pacific. The Australian government asserted that in an increasingly unstable global environment, the Quad’s cooperation is more crucial than ever.
A key agenda item is the much-delayed Quad Leaders’ Summit. India had initially planned to host this summit last year, but it was postponed due to the absence of confirmation from then-US President Donald Trump. The last Quad Leaders’ Summit occurred in the United States in 2024, while the previous foreign ministers’ meeting was in Washington in July 2025.
Emphasizing the commitment of the Quad nations, Jaishankar recently reaffirmed the dedication of these “maritime democracies” to uphold international law, secure trade routes, and maintain a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.