The foreign ministers from the Quad nations convened in New Delhi to bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, a response to escalating geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, particularly those stemming from the West Asia conflict. This significant meeting marks the first gathering of Quad foreign ministers in almost a year, bringing together India’s S. Jaishankar, Australia’s Penny Wong, Japan’s Toshimitsu Motegi, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The agenda for the discussions centers on revitalizing the Quad’s collaborative efforts, with a focus on maritime security, economic resilience, critical minerals, infrastructure development, and disaster response. Ahead of the main deliberations, Jaishankar and Motegi engaged in bilateral talks, concentrating on economic security and the implications of the West Asia crisis on energy supplies and trade. Both nations underscored the necessity of maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific and ensuring the security of maritime routes.
Motegi highlighted the profound structural changes sweeping the world, driven by shifting global power dynamics and increasing conflicts. He emphasized the shared responsibility of India and Japan in shaping the future international order. Australia’s representatives described the Quad as a crucial partnership for ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, stressing that collaboration within the Quad framework has become even more essential in today’s unstable global climate.
A key matter anticipated for discussion is the long-postponed Quad Leaders’ Summit. India had intended to host this summit the previous year, but it was delayed due to the lack of confirmation from U.S. President Donald Trump. The last Quad Leaders’ Summit occurred in the United States in 2024, while the previous foreign ministers’ meeting was held in Washington in July 2025.
Highlighting the importance of the Quad, Jaishankar recently referred to the four nations as “maritime democracies” committed to upholding international law, securing trade routes, and supporting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. The foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi aims to breathe new life into this collaborative effort, reinforcing the alliance’s role in addressing global challenges.