Quad Convenes to Bolster Indo-Pacific Strategy Amid China Focus
New Delhi-Foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan and the United States met in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, maritime security, supply chain resilience and regional challenges, as the four-member Quad grouping seeks to deepen coordination amid concerns over China’s expanding influence in the region.
India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar hosted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi for talks focused on recent developments across the Indo-Pacific and ways to advance cooperation among the four countries, according to India’s foreign ministry.
The meeting took place against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions across Asia and ongoing concerns among Quad members about China’s growing military and economic footprint in the Indo-Pacific. The grouping has increasingly emphasized cooperation on maritime security, resilient supply chains, critical technologies and strategic infrastructure.
Officials were also expected to discuss the conflict involving Iran and disruptions to energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil and gas trade.
The Quad has repeatedly expressed concern over Chinese activities in the South China Sea, where Beijing has asserted extensive territorial claims and expanded its military presence. China has rejected accusations of coercive behavior, saying its military posture is defensive and aimed at safeguarding what it considers sovereign rights. Beijing has also criticized the Quad, describing it as an effort to contain China’s rise and regional influence.
The talks came days after U.S. President Donald Trump visited China, a trip closely watched in New Delhi and other regional capitals for indications of any shift in Washington’s approach toward Beijing.
Rubio, who arrived in India on Saturday, said Washington wants the Quad to evolve beyond a consultative forum and pursue more tangible cooperation, including on maritime security and critical minerals. He also said officials were working toward a summit of Quad leaders later this year, though no date has been announced.
The four countries had previously aimed to hold a leaders’ summit in India last year, but the plan was postponed amid strains in U.S.-India relations, including disagreements over trade tariffs.
The Quad has emerged as one of the Indo-Pacific’s most prominent strategic partnerships, with members seeking closer coordination on regional security and economic resilience as competition between China and Western-aligned powers intensifies.
