ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Quad reaffirms free Indo-Pacific vision, backs ASEAN centrality
Foreign ministers reviewed regional challenges and cooperation with ASEAN member states.
-
IANS - Wed, 22, Jul 2026
- 04:43 EDT
- 25
Quad foreign ministers meet on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Manila. / IANS
The Quad foreign ministers on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, underscoring their strong support for ASEAN unity and centrality during a meeting in Manila.
In a joint statement, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the Quad's commitment to the region's prosperity and cooperation with ASEAN and its member states.
Also read: Neil Garg to deliver chemistry lecture at an LA bar
"As ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partners, we, the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan, met today in Manila to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific and our unwavering support for ASEAN unity and centrality. We are deeply invested in the region's success and in cooperating with ASEAN and its member states," the joint statement said.
The ministers discussed regional challenges and ways to advance the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific through cooperation on maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technologies, and humanitarian assistance and emergency response.
The statement said the Quad remains united in its conviction that "peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain underpin the security and prosperity of the region."
Following the meeting, Jaishankar said the ministers reviewed recent developments in the Indo-Pacific and followed up on the outcomes of their recent meeting in New Delhi.
"Glad to participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in Manila. Reviewed the Indo-Pacific landscape and discussed recent developments. Followed up on the outcomes of the recent New Delhi meeting. Committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific with a recognition of ASEAN centrality," Jaishankar posted on X.
Rubio said the four countries share a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity while emphasizing ASEAN's central role in the region.
"Was pleased to reconvene the Quad at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting to emphasise our message: strong cooperation is vital to supporting ASEAN's own priority and centrality in the region. The United States, India, Australia, and Japan share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is grounded in the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The Quad remains a priority, and we will meet again later this year," Rubio posted on X.
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also described the meeting as "very productive," saying the four nations discussed delivering results in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Leave A Comment
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login