Quad warns against coercion, backs maritime freedom amid Indo-Pacific tensions

Each challenge strengthened the case for more partnerships, stronger growth and realising the promise of technologies: Jaishankar

PT News New Delhi, May 26

The Quad grouping on Tuesday sharpened its focus on Indo-Pacific security, resilient supply chains and strategic cooperation amid growing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, as the foreign ministers of India, the United States, Japan and Australia met in New Delhi for high-level talks.

Opening the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the four countries would deliberate on “shared activities” against the backdrop of rapidly evolving global challenge, we have to address issues like supply chain resilience, connectivity choke points, manufacturing and resource concentrations, and gaps in critical infrastructure,” Jaishankar said, adding that each challenge strengthened the case for “more partnerships, stronger growth and realising the promise of technologies”. He said the Indo-Pacific required enhanced strategic confidence, maritime security, economic choices and “trusted and transparent partnerships”. Describing the Quad nations as “maritime democracies, pluralistic societies and market economies”, Jaishankar said they shared a collective responsibility

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the region was under pressure from “accelerating contest, a deteriorating strategic environment and acute economic stress”, but stressed that the Quad remained committed to delivering concrete outcomes. “We all share a vision for the Indo-Pacific — a region that is free and open, peaceful, stable and prosperous,” Wong said, highlighting cooperation on disaster response, maritime security, undersea cables and critical minerals. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the Quad sent an “unshakable message” about advancing practical cooperation to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific amid structural