Foreign ministers from the Quad nations convened in New Delhi for a pivotal meeting aimed at bolstering collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty tied to the West Asia conflict. 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 US secretary of state Marco Rubio.
The discussions sought to reinvigorate the Quad alliance, focusing on maritime security, economic resilience, critical minerals, infrastructure development, and disaster response. Ahead of the main dialogue, Jaishankar and Motegi engaged in bilateral talks to address economic security and the repercussions of the West Asia crisis on energy supplies and trade. Both ministers underscored the necessity of preserving stability in the Indo-Pacific and ensuring secure maritime pathways.
Motegi highlighted the significant structural transformations occurring globally due to shifting power dynamics and increasing conflicts, stating that India and Japan share a responsibility in shaping the future international order. Australia echoed similar sentiments, identifying the Quad as an essential partnership for maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific amid an increasingly unstable global environment.
A major topic on the agenda was the long-delayed Quad Leaders’ Summit. Initially planned to be hosted by India last year, the summit was postponed following US President Donald Trump’s non-confirmation of participation. The previous Quad Leaders’ Summit took place in the United States in 2024, with the last foreign ministers’ meeting occurring in Washington in July 2025.
Jaishankar recently emphasized the commitment of the four Quad nations, which he referred to as “maritime democracies,” to uphold international law, secure trade routes, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. As the global landscape continues to evolve, the Quad’s role in ensuring stability and cooperation remains a critical focal point for its member nations.