On Tuesday, India and fellow Quad member nations—Australia, Japan, and the United States—reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to fostering a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. In a joint statement commemorating 20 years of Quad cooperation, the foreign ministers pledged to work collaboratively for a peaceful and stable region amidst growing challenges, particularly from China’s increasing assertiveness.
The Quad Alliance traces its origins to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami when the four nations united to provide critical humanitarian assistance. Over two decades, the partnership has evolved into a formidable coalition dedicated to addressing the strategic and economic needs of the Indo-Pacific region.
“As four partners, we share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous, underpinned by effective regional institutions,” the foreign ministers declared in their joint statement.
The statement underscored the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the region’s future. The Quad ministers expressed unwavering support for ASEAN’s unity and its Indo-Pacific framework, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). They also highlighted their respect for Pacific-led regional mechanisms, particularly the Pacific Islands Forum, and reaffirmed their commitment to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), recognizing it as a crucial institution in the region.
Highlighting the Quad’s focus on regional stability, the ministers vowed to enhance collaboration in disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. Reflecting on the devastating 2004 tsunami, they noted how the disaster united their nations in a historic response.
“The tsunami was one of the worst disasters in history, claiming nearly a quarter of a million lives and displacing 1.7 million people across 14 countries,” they said. “Together, our four countries mobilized over 40,000 emergency responders, working alongside partners across the Indo-Pacific to support millions affected by the catastrophe.”
This foundational experience has shaped the Quad’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian efforts. The ministers emphasized that the alliance remains dedicated to preparing for and responding rapidly to crises in the region. In 2024 alone, the Quad nations provided vital support for disaster preparedness and life-saving relief operations across the Indo-Pacific.
The Quad also reiterated its collective mission to address emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a regional order grounded in shared principles of transparency, inclusivity, and respect for sovereignty.
“The Quad is committed to working together in responding to the future needs of the region,” the statement added.
As the Indo-Pacific continues to witness geopolitical shifts, the Quad’s commitment to regional stability and prosperity serves as a counterbalance to rising tensions. With two decades of cooperation as their foundation, the four nations are set to strengthen their partnership further, ensuring that the Indo-Pacific remains a region where peace, stability, and prosperity thrive.