Foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan and the United States have gathered in New Delhi in a renewed effort to strengthen the Quad alliance amid growing geopolitical tensions across the Indo-Pacific.
The meeting brings together Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the ministers will discuss advancing cooperation under the Quad vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”, building on previous talks held in Washington in July 2025.
The agenda includes:
- maritime security;
- regional stability;
- critical minerals supply chains;
- Indo-Pacific strategic cooperation;
- major international conflicts impacting global trade and security.
China at the centre of discussions
The Quad nations remain increasingly concerned about China’s growing military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington wants the Quad to move beyond symbolic meetings and become a platform capable of delivering “concrete actions”.
Key concerns include tensions in the South China Sea, the East China Sea and Beijing’s growing control over strategic minerals essential for defence, aerospace and semiconductor industries.
Iran crisis and global economic fears
The meeting also comes during heightened global tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran and the uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
Officials are expected to discuss the impact of instability in the Middle East on energy markets, global supply chains and Indo-Pacific security.
Can the Quad regain momentum?
Analysts say the Quad has lost some momentum in recent years amid tensions between Washington and New Delhi over trade and tariffs, as well as difficulties organising a leaders’ summit.
India had hoped to host a Quad leaders’ summit last year, but it never materialised.
Despite that, the four countries appear determined to reinforce strategic cooperation as competition with China intensifies across the region.
During the visit, the foreign ministers are also expected to hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
