Quad Marks 20 Years Of Cooperation, Reaffirms Commitment To A Free And Open Indo-Pacific

Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Quad partnership, leaders from India, Australia, Japan, and the United States reflected on the group’s origins as a humanitarian response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The Quad has since evolved into a strategic alliance addressing diverse challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

In a joint statement issued by the U.S. Secretary of State and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan, the Quad nations emphasized their shared vision for a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, reaffirming their foundational commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Origins of the Quad

The Quad emerged in 2004 when the four nations collaborated to provide disaster relief following the devastating Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. This catastrophe claimed nearly a quarter of a million lives and displaced 1.7 million people across 14 countries.

“Our foundational commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief remains strong. Together, our four countries contributed over 40,000 emergency responders, supporting millions affected by the tsunami,” the joint statement said.

A Strategic Evolution

Over two decades, the Quad has transformed from a disaster relief initiative into a comprehensive strategic partnership. Key areas of cooperation now include:

• Climate change and environmental resilience.
• Global health initiatives, including pandemic responses and cancer research.
• Critical infrastructure and STEM education.
• Maritime domain awareness and cybersecurity.
• Counter-terrorism efforts and emerging technologies.

Since 2021, Quad leaders have convened annually to guide these collaborative efforts, bolstering regional stability and resilience.

Commitment to Regional Institutions

Highlighting its support for effective regional institutions, the Quad reaffirmed its:

• Support for ASEAN’s centrality and unity and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
• Endorsement of the Pacific Islands Forum as a key framework for Pacific-led initiatives.
• Backing for the Indian Ocean Rim Association as the premier regional organization.

The Quad leaders emphasized their goal of partnering with these institutions to address the evolving needs of the Indo-Pacific.

Quad Leaders’ Summits

The Quad has formalized its efforts through regular summits:

1. First Summit (Virtual): March 2021.
2. Second Summit (In-person): September 2021, Washington, DC.
3. Third Summit (Virtual): March 2022.
4. Fourth Summit (In-person): May 2022, Tokyo, Japan.
5. Fifth Summit (In-person): May 2023, Hiroshima, Japan.

Looking Ahead

The Quad remains committed to tackling pressing challenges in the Indo-Pacific, from disaster response to bolstering infrastructure and security. As the partnership celebrates two decades of collaboration, it continues to shape a region marked by inclusivity, stability, and resilience.