In New Delhi, foreign ministers from the Quad nations convened to bolster collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, a move deemed essential amid escalating geopolitical tensions and economic instability linked to the conflict in West Asia. The meeting, the first of its kind in nearly a year, brought together India’s external affairs minister S. Jaishankar, Australian foreign minister Penny Wong, Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and US secretary of state Marco Rubio.
The agenda focused on reinvigorating the Quad alliance, with priorities set on maritime security, economic resilience, critical mineral resources, infrastructure advancement, and disaster response. Prior to the main discussions, Jaishankar and Motegi engaged in bilateral conversations emphasizing economic security and the repercussions of the West Asia crisis on energy supply and trade. Both nations underscored the necessity of maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific and ensuring the security of maritime pathways.
Motegi highlighted the significant structural shifts in global power dynamics and increasing conflicts, asserting that India and Japan share a responsibility to shape the future international order. Meanwhile, Australia underlined the Quad’s crucial role in preserving peace, stability, and prosperity within the Indo-Pacific, noting that such cooperation is vital in today’s increasingly unstable global climate.
A significant topic on the table is the much-anticipated Quad Leaders’ Summit, which has faced delays. Initially set to be hosted by India last year, the summit was postponed due to a lack of confirmation from US President Donald Trump. The last Quad Leaders’ Summit took place in the United States in 2024, with the previous foreign ministers’ meeting occurring in Washington in July 2025.
Jaishankar recently articulated the commitment of the Quad nations, which he termed “maritime democracies,” to uphold international law, secure trade routes, and maintain a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. This commitment underscores the shared goals of the Quad as they navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.