Indo-Pacific Key To Global Economic Stability, Says Jaishankar At Quad Meeting
Jaishankar stresses maritime security, resilient supply chains and trusted partnerships during Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi
NEW DELHI, May 26: Emphasising the growing strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said the region must continue to serve as a key engine of global growth and stability, while urging Quad nations to strengthen cooperation in maritime security, economic resilience and transparent partnerships.
Speaking at the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted the need for deeper collaboration among member nations to address emerging geopolitical and economic challenges across the Indo-Pacific region. The high-level meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
The discussions took place amid increasing global concerns over China’s expanding military presence and strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific waters.
“Our primary focus remains the Indo-Pacific, which defines the core agenda of the Quad partnership,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks. He underlined the importance of securing maritime routes, strengthening regional stability and creating reliable economic frameworks in the region.
The External Affairs Minister noted that the world is facing new economic and strategic vulnerabilities, including supply chain disruptions, manufacturing concentration, connectivity bottlenecks and gaps in critical infrastructure.
“At the global level, challenges related to resilient supply chains, connectivity choke points and resource concentration require stronger international cooperation. These developments make trusted partnerships more important than ever,” he stated.
Without directly naming any country, Jaishankar referred to growing regional concerns and stressed the need for strategic confidence-building measures among Quad partners. He said promoting trusted and transparent partnerships would play a crucial role in ensuring peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Highlighting the shared values of the Quad countries, he said the grouping represents maritime democracies, pluralistic societies and market economies committed to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong reaffirmed Canberra’s commitment to strengthening the Quad framework and maintaining regional momentum. She said all member countries remain determined to work collectively for a peaceful, prosperous and stable Indo-Pacific.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stressed the growing relevance of the Quad in addressing major global challenges. He said cooperation among the four nations can significantly contribute to energy security, freedom of navigation and the development of critical mineral supply chains.
The Quad grouping, comprising India, the United States, Australia and Japan, has increasingly emerged as a strategic platform aimed at promoting regional security, economic cooperation and rules based order in the Indo-Pacific.
