New Delhi, May 26
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said the Indo-Pacific must continue to drive global growth and stability, as leaders of the Quad grouping pledged closer cooperation on maritime security, critical minerals and regional infrastructure. Speaking at the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, Jaishankar said the four nations shared a responsibility to support a “free and open Indo-Pacific” through trusted and transparent partnerships.
The meeting brought together US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The talks came at a time of growing international concern over China’s expanding military presence and influence across the Indo-Pacific region.
In remarks shared later on X, Jaishankar described the discussions as “productive” and highlighted several key outcomes. These included an agreement on the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Initiative and plans to create a Common Operating Picture for maritime activities. He also announced that the Quad would explore a pilot port project in Fiji, examine undersea cable cooperation and consider setting up an expert panel on port infrastructure.
The ministers finalised the Quad Critical Minerals Framework, while India and the United States separately signed a critical minerals partnership aimed at strengthening supply chains.
Jaishankar said the Quad would also launch a new Indo-Pacific Energy Security initiative focused on technology, policy coordination, market analysis and emergency response exercises.
“Our focus will clearly be on the Indo-Pacific,” he said, adding that the region faced challenges linked to supply chain resilience, connectivity bottlenecks and gaps in critical infrastructure.
He said stronger partnerships were needed to boost strategic confidence, improve maritime security and expand economic opportunities across the region.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the four countries wanted to maintain the momentum of the Quad and work towards a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Marco Rubio said the group’s work had become increasingly important because of recent global developments. He said the Quad could play a major role in addressing issues such as energy security, freedom of navigation and access to critical minerals.
