India joins Quad partners to back "ASEAN centrality", commit to "free and open Indo-Pacific" in Manila amid regional tensions

India, alongside its Quad partners, has strongly advocated for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific during a meeting in Manila. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, convened for the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The group reiterated its "unwavering support" for "ASEAN unity and centrality" amidst growing Chinese military assertiveness in the South China Sea.

“

We are deeply invested in the region's success and in cooperating with ASEAN and its member states.

In a joint statement, the Quad ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, recognizing ASEAN's crucial role in regional governance. "We are deeply invested in the region's success and in cooperating with ASEAN and its member states," the statement read. The ministers discussed regional challenges and ways to enhance practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), focusing on maritime security, economic prosperity, critical technologies, and humanitarian assistance.

“

The Quad remains a priority, and we will meet again later this year.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the Manila gathering underscored the vital importance of robust cooperation in supporting ASEAN's priorities and its central position in the region. "The United States, India, Australia, and Japan share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific grounded in the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," Rubio stated, confirming the Quad remains a priority with future meetings planned.

“

Committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific with a recognition of ASEAN centrality.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi highlighted the significance of convening shortly after their May session, viewing it as a strong signal of the Quad's dedication to regional progress. The ministers engaged in candid discussions, aligning their perspectives on regional dynamics, including developments in the East and South China Seas. Motegi specifically voiced strong opposition to "any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion."

“

We are united in our conviction that peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain underpin the security and prosperity of the region.