North News
New Delhi, January 22
Foreign ministers from the Quad nations—the United States, Australia, India, and Japan—warned against using force or coercion to alter the status quo in the Indo-Pacific, a pointed message aimed at China’s assertive maritime actions. In a joint statement released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the ministers underscored their shared commitment to a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” grounded in the rule of law, democratic values, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Our four nations maintain our conviction that international law, economic opportunity, peace, stability, and security—including in the maritime domain—underpin the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific,” the statement said. “We strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.” The statement also highlighted the Quad’s focus on bolstering regional maritime, economic, and technology security while promoting resilient supply chains. The ministers pledged to enhance collaboration ahead of the next Quad Leaders’ Summit, which India will host.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, in a post on X, described the meeting in Washington, D.C., as productive. “Thank you @SecRubio for hosting us and FMs @SenatorWong and Takeshi Iwaya for their participation. Our wide-ranging discussions addressed different dimensions of ensuring a free, open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” he wrote. Jaishankar emphasized the Quad’s relevance in today’s geopolitical climate. “In an uncertain and volatile world, the Quad will continue to be a force for global good,” he added, noting the meeting’s alignment with the inauguration of the Trump Administration, highlighting its importance in the member states’ foreign policies.
