In New Delhi, foreign ministers from the Quad nations convened for a significant meeting aimed at bolstering cooperation in the Indo-Pacific as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties mount, particularly due to the West Asia conflict. This marked the first gathering of the Quad foreign ministers in almost a year, as India’s external affairs minister S. Jaishankar hosted his counterparts—Australian foreign minister Penny Wong, Japanese foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and US secretary of state Marco Rubio.
The discussions sought to revitalize the Quad alliance, focusing on collaborative efforts in maritime security, economic resilience, critical minerals, infrastructure development, and disaster response. Before the main assembly, Jaishankar and Motegi engaged in bilateral talks that centered on economic security and the effects of the West Asia crisis on energy supplies and trade. Both emphasized the criticality of maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific and ensuring the security of maritime routes.
Motegi highlighted the significant structural changes the world is experiencing due to shifting global power dynamics and increasing conflicts. He underscored the shared responsibility of India and Japan in helping to shape the future international order. Australia echoed this sentiment, describing the Quad as an essential partnership crucial for ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Canberra asserted that the Quad’s cooperation has gained even more importance in the face of an increasingly unstable global environment.
A major topic on the agenda is the long-delayed Quad Leaders’ Summit. India initially planned to host the summit last year, but it was postponed when US President Donald Trump did not confirm his participation. The last Quad Leaders’ Summit occurred in the United States in 2024, and the previous foreign ministers’ meeting was held in Washington in July 2025.
Recently, Jaishankar emphasized that the four Quad nations, which he referred to as “maritime democracies,” remain committed to upholding international law, secure trade routes, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. This commitment is seen as a pivotal element in navigating the evolving geopolitical landscape and ensuring sustained regional stability.