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.

The meeting brought together India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Rubio at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty across the Indo-Pacific.

The talks came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a high-profile visit to China, during which he emphasized cooperation between Washington and Beijing. The visit was closely watched by regional partners concerned that closer U.S.-China engagement could diminish the strategic influence of allied nations seeking to balance China’s growing power.

The Quad, comprising the United States, India, Japan and Australia, has evolved into a key platform for cooperation on maritime security, critical technologies, supply chains and regional stability. The grouping is viewed by Beijing as an effort to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific, a characterization its members reject.Rubio has sought to maintain momentum behind the alliance since taking office.

One of his first diplomatic initiatives was convening Quad foreign ministers in Washington shortly after his appointment, followed by another ministerial meeting in July 2025.Despite those efforts, uncertainty has lingered over the group’s future direction after a planned leaders’ summit in India failed to materialize last year.

The cancellation fueled concerns among some regional observers about Washington’s long-term commitment to institutionalizing the partnership.During his first official visit to India as secretary of state, Rubio said he hoped to lay the groundwork for a future summit involving Trump and the other Quad leaders. He emphasized the need for practical outcomes and concrete initiatives that leaders could announce when they eventually meet.

Among the priorities discussed was cooperation on critical minerals, an area that has gained strategic importance as governments seek to reduce dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains for resources essential to advanced technologies, electric vehicles and defense systems.Rubio also highlighted maritime security as a central area for deeper collaboration.

Concerns about China’s expanding naval presence and territorial claims remain a shared issue for several Quad members, particularly Japan, which faces growing security challenges in nearby waters.The meeting unfolded against the backdrop of tensions in the Middle East following conflict involving Iran and disruptions affecting energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Rising oil prices have created additional economic pressures for major importers such as India and Japan.Differences among U.S. partners over Washington’s policy toward Iran have complicated diplomatic coordination. While Australia expressed understanding of concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program, neither Canberra, Tokyo nor New Delhi provided direct support for military action against Tehran.

Japan and India have historically maintained pragmatic relations with Iran and have previously balanced those ties against U.S. sanctions policies and broader strategic interests.Ahead of the Quad meeting, Motegi met Jaishankar in New Delhi and warned of a rapidly evolving global security environment shaped by shifting power balances and growing geopolitical competition.

Jaishankar, meanwhile, sought to ease concerns about U.S. engagement with the Quad, noting that Trump had supported the grouping during his first administration and remained invested in Indo-Pacific cooperation.The Quad was originally championed by late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who envisioned closer coordination among the four democracies in response to changing regional dynamics.

Under former U.S. President Joe Biden, the grouping broadened its agenda beyond security to include public health, infrastructure resilience, emerging technologies and supply-chain security.Tuesday’s meeting represented the latest attempt by member states to demonstrate continuity in the partnership as strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific intensifies and broader global conflicts test the cohesion of U.S.-led alliances.

Rubio’s visit comes as the United States works to ease tensions with India following tariff measures imposed by President Donald Trump that affected several Indian exports and prompted concerns in New Delhi about the future direction of bilateral economic ties.

Speaking before his departure, Rubio described India as a key partner for the United States and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries across a range of strategic and economic issues.

The secretary of state arrived in Kolkata on Saturday and is scheduled to begin a multi-city tour that includes visits to Agra and Jaipur. He will also visit the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, the religious order founded by Mother Teresa.

During his stay, Rubio is expected to hold bilateral talks with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss regional security, economic cooperation and broader geopolitical developments.

The centerpiece of the visit will be Tuesday’s ministerial meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue in New Delhi, bringing together foreign ministers from India, the United States, Australia and Japan.

The Quad has increasingly focused on maritime security, regional stability and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Member countries have repeatedly expressed concern over China’s actions in the South China Sea and other contested waters, arguing that such activities risk undermining regional stability.

China rejects those accusations, maintaining that its military posture is defensive and aimed at protecting what it considers sovereign interests. Beijing has also criticized the Quad, portraying it as an effort to constrain China’s growing economic and strategic influence.

Rubio has placed significant emphasis on the Quad since taking office. His first formal international engagement after assuming the role was a series of meetings with foreign ministers from the other Quad member states, highlighting the grouping’s central role in U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy.

India, which holds the BRICS presidency this year, is hosting the two-day meeting involving founding members Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa alongside newer entrants including Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

The summit comes as the war involving Iran and escalating instability around the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt shipping lanes and fuel markets, increasing pressure on energy-importing economies across Asia.

Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the discussions would focus on “global and regional issues of mutual interest,” while diplomats indicated energy security, trade flows and geopolitical coordination would be central themes.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi late Wednesday, according to Iran’s embassy, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar shortly after arriving in the Indian capital.

Jaishankar said discussions with Lavrov covered “trade and investment, energy and connectivity” as well as broader multilateral issues, adding that political coordination among BRICS members had become increasingly important in a “volatile global environment.”The conflict in Iran has heightened concerns in India, which depends heavily on Middle Eastern crude oil and fertilizer imports.

Disruptions to Gulf shipping routes have contributed to volatility in oil and gas prices, complicating New Delhi’s economic outlook.Originally established in 2009 as a coalition of major emerging economies seeking greater influence in institutions traditionally dominated by Western powers, BRICS has expanded rapidly in recent years as member states sought to strengthen political and economic coordination across the Global South.

The bloc now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia, though officials have not confirmed whether all member states are represented at the meeting.Despite efforts to project unity, internal divisions remain pronounced.

Differences over the Middle East conflict, relations with Western powers and regional rivalries have complicated attempts to present a unified diplomatic position.Indian officials declined to confirm whether the ministers would issue a joint communique at the end of the summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet participating foreign ministers ahead of a broader BRICS leaders’ summit scheduled later this year.

The decision, announced after high-level talks between the foreign ministers of both nations in New Delhi, marks the beginning of a renewed phase in bilateral relations following a period of tension.

The new agreement focuses on economic collaboration, technological innovation, and shared growth, reflecting the two countries’ mutual commitment to progress and partnership.

The meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand highlighted a spirit of optimism and forward-looking diplomacy. Both leaders agreed to work together in key areas such as trade, critical minerals, clean energy, education, and agricultural value chains.

The joint statement emphasized that this renewed cooperation aims to not only boost economic engagement but also create resilience against global uncertainties.

“Reviving this partnership will not only create opportunities for enhanced economic cooperation but also help mitigate vulnerabilities arising from shifting global alliances,” the statement read, underscoring a mutual understanding of the evolving global order.

This new roadmap represents an important milestone in bilateral relations, aligning both countries’ strategic interests and long-term economic goals.

Anand, in her remarks, praised India’s role as a crucial partner for Canada in the Indo-Pacific region. “Both of our governments agree on the importance of elevating the relationship,” she said, reaffirming Canada’s intent to foster deeper engagement and collaboration.

Her discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar were described as warm and constructive, focusing on shared values such as democracy, multiculturalism, and sustainable development.

The renewed dialogue comes after nearly two years of strained relations, following allegations made in 2023 regarding the death of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India firmly denied any involvement in the incident, while expressing concern over the activities of certain extremist elements operating from Canadian soil. The new phase of diplomacy signals that both sides are ready to move beyond past misunderstandings and focus on building a future-oriented relationship grounded in mutual respect and cooperation.

The meeting between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis earlier this year played an instrumental role in restoring trust. Both leaders agreed that stronger engagement in areas like technology, education, and trade could bring tangible benefits to citizens of both nations.

Canada, with its strong academic institutions and technological capabilities, and India, with its vast talent pool and growing market, make natural partners in driving innovation and sustainable development.

Trade diversification remains a top priority for both nations, particularly as they navigate new global economic realities. With rising tariffs and shifting supply chains, India and Canada see value in developing alternative trade routes and exploring new sectors for cooperation.

India continues to be Canada’s largest source of international students and temporary foreign workers, strengthening cultural and educational ties that form the foundation of people-to-people relations. Meanwhile, Canada remains a vital market for Indian exports and agricultural imports, especially pulses such as lentils and yellow peas.

The roadmap also includes collaborative efforts in green energy, digital transformation, and climate action. Both countries are committed to advancing clean technologies and renewable energy partnerships that align with global sustainability goals.

Analysts view this as a mutually beneficial partnership, combining Canada’s expertise in sustainable resource management with India’s expanding energy and manufacturing sectors.

Beyond economics, the renewed partnership carries deep symbolic importance. It represents a shared desire to promote peace, cooperation, and inclusivity on the global stage.

The strong presence of the Indian diaspora in Canada, particularly the vibrant Sikh community, continues to serve as a bridge for cultural understanding and economic collaboration between the two nations.

As both governments turn the page on past challenges, the focus now rests on building a future defined by mutual respect, shared prosperity, and sustainable growth.

The India-Canada roadmap symbolizes not just diplomatic reconciliation, but a powerful commitment to global partnership and collective progress.