Full-fledged partnership: Quad nations mark 20 years of regional cooperation

The Quad nations--India, Australia, Japan, and the United States--in a joint statement on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment for a free and open Indo-Pacific and the South East Asian nation’s pivotal role in regional cooperation and development.

“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. We reaffirm our unwavering support for ASEAN’s centrality and unity as well as mainstreaming and implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,” a statement marking the 20th Quad formation said.

The statement by foreign ministers of the Quad nations noted that what began as an emergency response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, has now grown into a “full-fledged partnership delivering positive outcomes for the people of our region”.

“Quad countries now work together and with partners across the Indo-Pacific to address complex challenges,” it added.

“We respect Pacific-led regional architecture, foremost the Pacific Islands Forum. We are also steadfast in our support for the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the region’s premier organisation. The Quad is committed to working together in responding to the future needs of the region,” it added.

The Quad nations also pointed out the steps they have taken for disaster preparedness and life-saving relief efforts across the Indo-Pacific.

Together, our four countries contributed over 40,000 emergency responders, working with other partners across the Indo-Pacific region to support millions of people affected by the 2004 tsunami, the statement noted.

Since 2021, the Quad leaders have met annually to ‘drive the body’s positive contributions’ across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.