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Quad Marks 20th Anniversary with Renewed Commitment to Indo-Pacific Stability and Cooperation
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, is celebrating two decades of partnership since its inception in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Established as an emergency response mechanism, the Quad has since evolved into a strategic alliance addressing a wide range of regional and global challenges to foster an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
In a joint statement commemorating the milestone, the Quad Foreign Ministers emphasized their foundational commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). “Twenty years ago, in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, our nations came together to support millions of people affected by one of the worst disasters in history. We honour the memories of those lost and recognize the survivors,” the statement read.
The initial collaboration saw over 40,000 emergency responders from the four countries providing critical aid. This commitment to HADR remains integral to the Quad’s mission. “We continue to work side-by-side to prepare for and respond quickly and effectively to disasters across the region”, the ministers reiterated.
Over the years, the Quad has expanded its focus to address complex challenges including climate change, cybersecurity, terrorism, and maritime security. Recent initiatives include enhancing maritime domain awareness, promoting STEM education, and combating cervical cancer through the Quad Cancer Moonshot program. India pledged $7.5 million in testing kits and technical assistance for this effort, with other member nations contributing their own resources.
In 2024, the Quad announced several key initiatives, including the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) to help regional partners secure their waters. India will host the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025. A logistics network pilot project was also launched to enhance airlift capacities for natural disaster response, alongside a maritime legal dialogue to uphold rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
The Quad reaffirmed its unwavering support for ASEAN’s centrality, the Pacific Islands Forum, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association, recognizing these institutions as vital for regional stability and prosperity. “As four partners, we share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous”, the statement noted.
The Wellington Declaration, issued after the Quad’s fourth in-person summit earlier this year, expressed concerns over 'recent dangerous and aggressive actions in the maritime domain', a veiled reference to China’s activities in the South China Sea. The Quad’s unified stance on maintaining a rules-based maritime order underscores its commitment to preserving peace and stability in the region.
Reflecting on its 20-year legacy, the Quad highlighted its evolution from a disaster relief initiative to a full-fledged partnership delivering tangible outcomes for the region. “What began as an emergency response has grown into a partnership addressing a wide array of challenges”, the statement read.
The alliance has also deepened its collaboration through annual meetings of the four leaders since 2021, driving initiatives across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. These efforts underscore the Quad’s role as a proactive player in shaping the Indo-Pacific’s geopolitical and economic landscape.
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