The Foreign Ministers of India, Japan, and Australia, along with the U.S. Secretary of State, convened on January 21, 2025, in Washington D.C. to reaffirm their shared vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This meeting reinforced their collective commitment to the rule of law, democratic principles, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity as the foundation for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Shared Vision for Regional Stability
The joint statement emphasized the importance of upholding international law, ensuring economic opportunity, and maintaining peace and security across all domains, including the maritime sphere. The Ministers unequivocally opposed unilateral actions and coercive measures aimed at altering the status quo by force, reaffirming their dedication to maintaining regional stability.
Focus on Key Priorities
The Quad Foreign Ministers highlighted their commitment to:
- Maritime Security: Enhancing cooperation to secure regional waters and protect freedom of navigation.
- Economic and Technology Security: Strengthening regional economic frameworks and advancing reliable, resilient supply chains to counter emerging threats.
- Collaboration and Multilateral Engagement: Reinforcing partnerships within and beyond the Indo-Pacific to address shared challenges and promote sustainable growth.
Looking Ahead
The Ministers pledged to meet regularly to advance Quad initiatives and prepare for the next Quad Leaders’ Summit, which will be hosted by India later this year. This summit will serve as a platform to further consolidate Quad cooperation and address strategic regional and global priorities.
The meeting concluded with a renewed determination to build a resilient and inclusive Indo-Pacific region that safeguards the interests of its people and promotes enduring peace and prosperity.