External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar marked the 20th anniversary of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) on Tuesday, reflecting on its transformation from a collaborative response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to a leading force for stability, progress, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Quad’s objectives, alongside Australia, Japan, and the United States, as the grouping continues to address evolving regional challenges.
In a post on X, Jaishankar expressed, “Two decades ago, the idea of Quad began with a shared response to the Indian Ocean tsunami. Today, the Quad stands as a vital force for stability, progress, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.” He added that the partnership’s collective efforts continue to drive positive change in the region. “On its 20th anniversary, I join @SenatorWong, FM Takeshi Iwaya and @SecBlinken in reaffirming our commitment to addressing the region’s needs together.”
Earlier, in a joint statement commemorating the milestone, the Quad partners highlighted the origins of the grouping, tracing its first collaboration back to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. This catastrophic event claimed nearly a quarter million lives and displaced 1.7 million people across 14 countries. In the aftermath, Australia, India, Japan, and the United States came together to provide emergency relief, deploying over 40,000 emergency responders and working with regional partners to support millions of people affected by the disaster. The Quad members honored the memories of those who lost their lives and acknowledged the survivors and their families.
The statement emphasized that the Quad’s foundational commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief remains strong. The four countries continue to collaborate on disaster preparedness, responding quickly and effectively to emergencies. In 2024, the Quad members collectively supported disaster relief and preparedness across the Indo-Pacific, and they continue to refine their efforts to respond rapidly to humanitarian crises.
The statement further noted that what began as an emergency response has evolved into a robust and dynamic partnership. Over the past two decades, the Quad has expanded its collaboration to address a wide array of complex regional challenges, including combating climate change, tackling cancer and pandemics, improving quality infrastructure, enhancing maritime domain awareness, promoting STEM education, and strengthening counter-terrorism efforts. The group has also focused on emerging technologies, cyber security, and strengthening regional stability.
Since 2021, the leaders of the four Quad nations have met annually to drive the group’s positive contributions across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. The Quad’s focus remains on building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, with a shared vision of a free and open region underpinned by effective regional institutions.
The statement reiterated the Quad’s unwavering support for the centrality and unity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its outlook on the Indo-Pacific. The group also expressed respect for Pacific-led regional frameworks, notably the Pacific Islands Forum, and voiced strong support for the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the premier organization for the region.
As part of the Quad’s ongoing commitment, the statement emphasized the group’s dedication to responding to the future needs of the Indo-Pacific, ensuring the region remains resilient, secure, and prosperous for years to come.
