Tue Dec 31 16:09:43 UTC 2024: **Quad Nations Reaffirm Commitment to Free and Open Indo-Pacific**
**New Delhi, January 1, 2025** – The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) – comprising India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan – reaffirmed its commitment to a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific region on December 31st, 2024, marking the 20th anniversary of the grouping. In a joint statement released following a meeting of the Quad Foreign Ministers, the nations highlighted their continued collaboration on various fronts, including maritime security, infrastructure development, and disaster relief.
The statement emphasized the Quad’s unwavering support for ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific and its respect for Pacific-led regional architectures. The ministers recalled the origins of the Quad in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, noting the collective contribution of over 40,000 emergency responders to relief efforts. They reiterated their commitment to continued humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cooperation, as well as addressing shared challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and cybersecurity.
The next Quad summit is slated for the latter half of 2025, to be hosted by India. The recent Wilmington summit, attended by the Quad leaders in 2024, saw significant advancements in maritime security cooperation and a renewed call for a rules-based global order. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a photograph from this summit on his social media account. The joint statement underscores the evolution of the Quad from an emergency response coalition to a comprehensive strategic partnership focused on the Indo-Pacific’s stability and prosperity.
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