The Quad continues to focus on concrete benefits and practical cooperation for the Indo-Pacific region
The third meeting of the Quad Policy Planners' Working Group took place in New Delhi on Monday (June 24, 2024) where discussions centered on the key priorities of the Indo-Pacific region, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The Quad, a diplomatic partnership comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, remains committed to supporting an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.

MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared in a post on X, "Third meeting of the Quad Policy Planners' Working Group held in New Delhi today. Meeting discussed key priorities of the Indo-Pacific region and ideas for the future of the Quad."

Since its regrouping in 2017, the Quad has announced the establishment of six working groups focusing on diverse policies and initiatives. Earlier in May 2023, the leaders of the Quad nations—US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi—gathered in Hiroshima for the fifth Quad Leaders' Summit.

The Quad's agenda aims to address the region's most pressing challenges, including health security, climate change, infrastructure, critical and emerging technology, cyber security, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, space, maritime security, countering disinformation, and counterterrorism. The partnership strives to deliver practical outcomes that respond to the Indo-Pacific's priorities.

In a joint statement released by the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan during their prior meeting in New Delhi in March 2023, the Quad reaffirmed its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The statement highlighted the importance of freedom, rule of law, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution as essential to the region's stability and prosperity.

The Quad also reiterated its support for ASEAN centrality and unity, committing to the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The group welcomed Indonesia's 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship and pledged support for the Chair theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth,” seeking tangible areas for collaboration with ASEAN.

Addressing the challenges in the Pacific Island countries, the Quad emphasized support for the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The group also aims to strengthen cooperation with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to tackle regional challenges.

Progress under the Quad Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Partnership (HADR) was noted, with the finalization of Standard Operating Procedures expected to enhance response mechanisms. The Quad also established a Working Group on Counterterrorism to explore cooperation against new and emerging forms of terrorism.

The Quad condemned North Korea’s destabilizing ballistic missile launches and called for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, the group discussed the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in accordance with international law.

The Quad continues to focus on concrete benefits and practical cooperation for the Indo-Pacific region, with future meetings planned to further their positive agenda. The next Quad Leaders’ Summit will be hosted by Australia later this year.