Quad Sharpens Indo-Pacific Watch, Expands Critical Mineral Alliance Amid China Concerns
Foreign ministers of the four-nation grouping announce new maritime surveillance measures, energy initiatives and Pacific port projects amid rising strategic concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
NEW DELHI, May 26: The Quad on Tuesday unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime security, energy cooperation and critical mineral supply chains across the Indo-Pacific amid increasing strategic competition in the region.
The announcements came after the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
Addressing the media after the talks, Jaishankar said the Quad had adopted a new critical minerals framework and launched an Indo-Pacific energy security initiative to improve regional resilience and strengthen supply chains.
He said discussions largely focused on evolving geopolitical developments and issues affecting the Indo-Pacific region.
“As four maritime democracies positioned across the Indo-Pacific, the exchange of perspectives among us carries significant value,” Jaishankar said, underlining the importance of secure maritime commerce and adherence to international law.
The minister noted that economic resilience, uninterrupted trade routes and reliable access to energy resources would become increasingly important as the Indo-Pacific grows into a central hub of global commerce.
He also stressed the need for stronger international cooperation against terrorism, asserting that countries facing terror attacks have the right to defend themselves.
US Secretary of State Rubio announced the launch of an Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Cooperation Initiative that will integrate the maritime monitoring capabilities of all four Quad nations.
He also confirmed the expansion of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative to enhance regional tracking and monitoring capacities.
Rubio said maritime security remained critical because nearly 60 per cent of global maritime trade passes through the Indo-Pacific region.
The Quad additionally announced a new partnership to improve port infrastructure in Pacific Island nations, with Fiji set to become the first country to benefit from a joint Quad backed port development project.
Australian Foreign Minister Wong said the grouping supported diplomatic efforts to preserve freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and opposed any move that could hinder international shipping.
She also highlighted ongoing coordination among Quad members to counter cyber-enabled scam networks operating in parts of Southeast Asia.
Wong added that initial maritime surveillance cooperation under the new framework would focus on the Indian Ocean region.
