Quad foreign ministers vow to work for free, stable Indo-Pacific

India, the US, Australia, and Japan—or the Quad—reaffirmed their commitment to a free, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region on the 20th anniversary of its partnership.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the foreign ministers of member countries explained the Quad’s evolving and future goals since its formation two decades ago as part of coordinated response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Over the years, the Quad has transformed into a platform for comprehensive co-operation across sectors.

“As four partners, we share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable and prosperous, underpinned by effective regional institutions,” the coalition said in a the joint statement.

Commenting on completing 20 years of the Quad, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar wrote on X, “The idea of the Quad began with a shared response to the Indian Ocean tsunami. Today, the Quad stands as a vital force for stability, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”

The foreign ministers discussed about the importance of supporting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its central role in the Indo-Pacific.

“We reaffirm our unwavering support for ASEAN’s centrality and unity as well as mainstreaming and implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,” the joint statement said. “We respect Pacific-led regional architecture, foremost the Pacific Islands Forum. We are also steadfast in our support for the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the region’s premier organisation.”

Since 2021, Quad leaders have met yearly to further their plans, with recent projects involving the need to improve disaster readiness, building infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and addressing cybersecurity. The group also supports STEM education, counter-terrorism efforts, and partnerships to solve vital problems.

India is set to host the next Quad Summit in the latter half of the year.