WASHINGTON, Jan 22: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in a significant Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington, which occurred just one day after the inauguration of the Trump administration. The discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and expanding the Quad’s agenda.
The meeting included US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, alongside EAM Jaishankar.
In a joint statement, the four countries expressed their commitment to advancing Quad initiatives in the upcoming months, with plans for regular meetings leading up to the next Quad Leaders’ Summit to be hosted by India.
Jaishankar noted on X that the timing of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting just after the inauguration underscores the significance of the Quad in the foreign policies of the member nations.
“I attended a productive Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting today in Washington DC. Thank you to @secrubio for hosting and to FMs @SenatorWong and Takeshi Iwaya for their contributions.
“The fact that the Quad FMM took place shortly after the inauguration reflects its priority in the foreign policy of its member states.
“Our extensive discussions focused on various aspects of ensuring a free, open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
“We agreed on the necessity of broadening our focus and intensifying our collaboration.
“Today’s meeting sends a strong message that in a time of uncertainty, the Quad will remain a force for global good.”
The collective statement of the four members stated:
“We, the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan, convened in Washington D.C. today to reaffirm our joint dedication to fostering a Free and Open Indo-Pacific that upholds the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
“Our nations share a commitment to the principles of international law, economic opportunity, peace, stability, and security in all areas, especially the maritime domain, which are essential for the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific’s people. We also strongly oppose any unilateral efforts to alter the status quo through force or coercion.
“We are dedicated to enhancing regional maritime, economic, and technological security in light of rising threats, including promoting dependable and resilient supply chains. We look forward to progressing Quad initiatives over the coming months and will meet regularly as we prepare for the next Quad Leaders’ Summit in India.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked on X: “On my first day as Secretary of State, I convened the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan for a crucial Quad meeting. We are resolute in our aim to bolster economic opportunities and ensure peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated: “The Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting so early in the Trump Administration’s term illustrates our collective commitment to collaborating for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
The Japanese Foreign Ministry reported that the meeting lasted one hour.
“The four ministers reaffirmed the significance of coordination and commitment among allies and like-minded nations to achieve a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP) and agreed to enhance collaboration further.
“They conducted strategic and candid discussions regarding the Indo-Pacific situation, emphasizing their strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, referencing China’s aggressive maneuvers in the region.
“Additionally, they addressed the North Korean situation, with Minister Iwaya expressing grave concerns regarding its nuclear and missile developments and calling for understanding and cooperation from all nations to resolve the abduction issue promptly.
“All four ministers agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation in maritime, economic, and technological security.
“They also concurred on the importance of regular foreign ministers’ meetings and preparations for the leaders’ meeting to be hosted by India.” (UNI)
