Quad Foreign Ministers vow to keep Indo-Pacific strong, free

Sending a veiled message to China, foreign ministers from Quad countries -- India, Australia, Japan and the United States -- met on Tuesday in Washington following Donald Trump's inauguration as President and strongly opposed any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.

"We, the Secretary of State of the United States and the foreign ministers of Australia, India, and Japan, met today in Washington DC to reaffirm our shared commitment to strengthening a Free and Open Indo-Pacific where the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are upheld and defended," according to a joint statement issued after the first Quad Foreign Ministers meet under Trump 2.0. "Our four nations maintain our conviction that international law, economic opportunity, peace, stability, and security in all domains including the maritime domain underpin the development and prosperity of the peoples of the Indo-Pacific. We also strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion," the ministers affirmed in a subtle but a clear message for China.

In a post on X after the meeting, Jaishankar wrote, "Attended a productive Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting today in Washington DC. Thank @secrubio for hosting us and FMs @SenatorWong & Takeshi Iwaya for their participation. Significant that the Quad FMM took place within hours of the inauguration of the Trump Administration. This underlines the priority it has in the foreign policy of its member states." "Our wide-ranging discussions addressed different dimensions of ensuring a free, open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Agreed on the importance of thinking bigger, deepening the agenda and intensifying our collaboration. The meeting today sends a clear message that in an uncertain and volatile world, the Quad will continue to be a force for global good," he wrote.


Later, Jaishankar held his first bilateral meet with Rubio. It was Rubio's first meeting with any foreign counterpart after taking charge. "Delighted to meet@secrubio for his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office as Secretary of State... Exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues. Look forward to closely working with him to advance our strategic cooperation," Jaishankar wrote on X.

Later speaking to press Jaishankar mentioned that India does not support illegal migration and backs legal mobility of Indian talent.