Quad Foreign Ministers Reaffirm Commitment to ‘Free and Open’ Indo-Pacific
The foreign ministers of the Quad nations—India, the United States,Australia, and Japan—have reiterated their shared commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the need for peace, maritime security, and respect for international law.
In a joint statement issued after their meeting in Washington on Tuesday (US time), the ministers firmly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion, calling for adherence to the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
“As four leading maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific, we are united in our conviction that peace and stability inthe maritime domain underpin the region’s prosperity,” the statement read.
Attending the meeting were U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.
The ministers introduced a strengthened agenda focusing on four priority areas: maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
This agenda aims to enhance the Quad’s long-term impact and ensure effective responses to the region’s pressing challenges. The group reaffirmed support for regional organizations like ASEAN, the Pacific Islands Forum, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association, emphasizing unity and cooperation.
Although China was not directly named, the statement raised concerns about provocative and dangerous actions in the East and South China Seas. These include interference with offshore energy development, obstructions to navigation and overflight, and aggressive maneuvers using water cannons and blocking tactics—methods frequently used by China in disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and others.
The statement denounced the militarization of disputed features and urged peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It also highlighted the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal award as a foundational step in resolving regional disputes.
In a significant move, the Quad announced plans to host its first Indo-Pacific Logistics Network field training exercise later this year. The exercise aims to improve airlift capabilities and logistics coordination for faster disaster response across the region.
As the Quad continues to evolve, the ministers reiterated their commitment to deepening cooperation in support of a secure, free, and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring lasting regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
