The foreign ministers of the Quad nations convened in New Delhi to reinforce their cooperative efforts in the Indo-Pacific as geopolitical tensions rise and economic uncertainties persist due to conflicts in West Asia. This marked the first Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in nearly a year, with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hosting Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The ministers aimed to revitalize the Quad’s mission and enhance collaboration on critical issues such as maritime security, economic resilience, infrastructure development, and disaster response. Prior to the main meeting, Jaishankar and Motegi engaged in bilateral discussions, focusing on economic security and the repercussions of the West Asia crisis on energy and trade. Both countries underscored the necessity of stability in the Indo-Pacific and securing maritime routes.
Motegi highlighted the significant structural changes occurring globally due to shifting power dynamics and escalating conflicts. He emphasized the shared responsibility of India and Japan in shaping the future international order. Meanwhile, Australia characterized the Quad as essential for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, noting its growing importance amid global instability.
A key agenda item for the meeting was the long-overdue Quad Leaders’ Summit. Initially planned for the previous year in India, the summit was delayed when U.S. President Donald Trump did not confirm his attendance. The last Quad Leaders’ Summit took place in the United States in 2024, and the previous foreign ministers’ meeting was held in Washington in July 2025.
Jaishankar recently reiterated the commitment of the Quad nations, describing them as “maritime democracies,” to uphold international law, secure trade routes, and maintain a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.