The Quad leaders, including President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, gathered in Delaware for their annual summit. The meeting took place against the backdrop of China’s increasingly assertive military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, a concern that dominated the discussions.
President Biden addressed the issue head-on, stating that China’s growing military presence is a strategic move designed to test the region’s resilience. However, he clarified that his administration sees Beijing’s actions as a tactical shift, not a fundamental change in their overall strategy.
The Quad leaders, united in their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, announced several key initiatives to enhance maritime security cooperation. A highlight of the summit was the decision to launch joint coast guard operations, with the first-ever “Quad-at-Sea” ship observer mission scheduled for 2025. This initiative aims to advance maritime safety and will be followed by further missions across the Indo-Pacific in the future.
The leaders also unveiled a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI). This program will empower partner countries to effectively utilize the tools provided by the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative, launched in 2022. IPMDA assists partner countries in monitoring their waters and ensuring peace and stability in the region.
The Quad leaders also emphasized the need for a lasting peace in Ukraine, expressing their deepest concern over the ongoing war and its devastating humanitarian consequences. They reiterated their call for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, aligned with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
They further addressed the war’s impact on global food and energy security, particularly affecting developing and least-developed countries. The leaders condemned the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons, highlighting the importance of upholding international law and refraining from force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of any state.
The Quad leaders also expressed their commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. They unequivocally condemned the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas on Israel, highlighting the unacceptable loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They stressed the imperative of securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas and emphasized that such a deal would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza.
The Quad leaders underscored the urgent need to significantly increase deliveries of life-saving humanitarian assistance to Gaza and to prevent further regional escalation. They urged all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law. The leaders also unequivocally condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and vowed to work comprehensively to combat this menace.
The Quad summit showcased the alliance’s unified stance on regional security and cooperation. The leaders’ comments highlight the complex dynamics at play in the Indo-Pacific region, where tensions are rising due to China’s assertive actions. The Quad’s efforts to strengthen maritime security and promote peace and stability in the region are crucial in navigating these challenging times.
