Quad ministers reaffirm Indo-Pacific security and trade commitments in New Delhi

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Quad reaffirms Indo-Pacific pledges

Highlights

Quad foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi on 26 May 2026 reaffirm commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and deeper regional cooperation.
Ministers warn that maritime disruptions in key Indo-Pacific sea lanes threaten global fuel, food, and fertilizer security and seafarer safety.
Quad condemns commercial shipping attacks, opposes unilateral actions in disputed seas, urges peaceful dispute resolution under UNCLOS, and reiterates call for North Korea's denuclearization.

New Delhi meeting sets regional agenda

As reported by the U.S. Department of State, the foreign ministers of Australia, India and Japan, together with the U.S. secretary of state, convene in New Delhi on 26 May 2026 for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted by India. In their joint statement, they say the Indo-Pacific’s peace, stability and prosperity hinge on upholding international law and resolving disputes peacefully.

The ministers reaffirm support for a free and open Indo-Pacific and say they will deepen cooperation through concrete initiatives designed to deliver practical benefits across the region. They also stress the role of innovation, emerging technologies and trusted partnerships in supporting economic growth beyond the immediate security agenda.

Maritime risks feature prominently in the statement, with the ministers warning that disruptions in key sea lanes threaten the uninterrupted flow of commerce. They say such disruptions carry broad consequences for global fuel, food and fertilizer security, as well as for the safety of seafarers.

Shipping lanes and security pressures remain central

The group discusses the Middle East and backs ongoing diplomatic efforts while expressing hope for lasting peace. It also reiterates support for navigational rights and freedoms under UNCLOS and condemns attacks on commercial shipping vessels, including any future measures inconsistent with the convention, such as the imposition of tolls.

The ministers say they remain seriously concerned about the East China Sea and the South China Sea. They oppose unilateral actions that seek to alter the status quo by force or coercion and cite interference with offshore resource development, obstruction of freedom of navigation and overflight, unsafe maneuvers by military aircraft and coast guard vessels, and the militarization of disputed features.

They also reaffirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully under UNCLOS and describe the arbitral tribunal award issued ten years ago as a significant milestone for dispute resolution. Beyond maritime issues, the statement repeats the Quad’s call for the complete denuclearization of North Korea, condemns its ballistic missile and weapons programs, raises concern over cyber activity funding those efforts, and urges all UN member states to enforce relevant sanctions.

Our earlier coverage of the U.S.-India critical minerals and rare-earth supply framework detailed how Washington and New Delhi are building end-to-end supply chain resilience across mining, processing, recycling, and investment. The pact was presented as a practical step to diversify away from single-source risks and to support innovation-driven economies, with both sides framing it as part of broader alignment with like-minded partners, including discussions connected to the Quad.

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