The foreign ministers of the Quad nations, comprising the United States, Australia, India, and Japan, convened in Washington D.C. to discuss their shared objectives for the Indo-Pacific region. In a joint statement released on January 21, 2025, they emphasized their commitment to maintaining a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," highlighting the importance of upholding "the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty, and territorial integrity."
The ministers underscored their belief that "international law, economic opportunity, peace, stability, and security in all domains including the maritime domain" are crucial for the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific's people. They expressed strong opposition to any unilateral actions that attempt to alter the status quo through force or coercion.
The statement also outlined their dedication to enhancing regional maritime, economic, and technology security amidst rising threats. Additionally, they aim to promote reliable and resilient supply chains. The ministers expressed anticipation for advancing Quad initiatives in upcoming months and confirmed plans for regular meetings leading up to the next Quad Leaders’ Summit in India.