External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a powerful assertion of the Quad’s long-term vision, highlighted the alliance’s dedication to maintaining a free and secure Indo-Pacific amidst rising tensions from China’s assertiveness. Speaking at a foreign ministerial meeting on Monday, Jaishankar declared, “The Quad is here to stay, here to do, and here to go.”
Jaishankar highlighted the Quad’s critical role in upholding a rules-based international order. He noted, “As political democracies, pluralistic societies, and market economies, it is essential for us to uphold a rules-based order.”
He stressed that collaboration among the Quad nations — Bharat, the United States, Japan, and Australia — ensures the Indo-Pacific remains free, open, stable, secure, and prosperous. “Our commitment to global good extends far beyond this region,” he added.
The minister asserted on the need to strengthen political understanding, expand economic partnerships, enhance technological collaborations, and intensifying people-to-people connections. The meeting included prominent figures such as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Australian Foreign Minister Wong, without directly naming China, mentioned about the importance of respecting sovereignty and responsibly managing competition. She advocated for a region where no single country dominates or is dominated, and all nations can pursue their aspirations freely. “Over the past two years, I have witnessed the Quad’s commitment to this vision of the Indo-Pacific,” Wong remarked.
Jaishankar also discussed the challenges of ensuring global economic growth while reducing risks. He pointed out that resilient supply chains and transparent digital partnerships are crucial for stability. “A major challenge is to ensure global economic growth while also de-risking it,” he noted.
He highlighted the transformative potential of technological advancements, describing the current period as one of “re-globalisation.” Jaishankar stressed that collective efforts are necessary to protect the international system from both natural and man-made disruptions.
The Quad foreign ministerial meeting took place against the backdrop of significant global geopolitical unrest, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Hamas-Israel hostilities. The discussions are expected to address the wider consequences of these crises on the global stage.
