Foreign ministers of QUAD nations, including the new U.S. Secretary of State, are expected to meet a day after President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, media reports said.
The QUAD foreign ministers’ meeting, which is likely to take place on January 21 in Washington D.C., is going to be one of the first foreign policy acts by the Trump administration after assuming power.
This meeting holds particular significance as it marks the first high-level interaction among QUAD members under the new U.S. administration.
The meeting indicates an early emphasis on strengthening regional partnerships that outgoing President Joe Biden championed to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, despite Biden and Trump’s vastly different world views, reported Politico.
The QUAD group, officially known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, plays a crucial role in promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
The meeting is likely to address pressing regional and global challenges, including maritime security, counter-terrorism, climate change, and economic cooperation.
It is also expected to reaffirm the group’s commitment to upholding the rules-based international order amidst increasing geopolitical tensions.
A key highlight will be the participation of the newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State, who will outline the administration’s stance on strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific.
The dialogue aims to enhance collaboration on shared priorities, such as advancing infrastructure development, securing supply chains, and ensuring energy security.
This meeting underscores the growing importance of the QUAD as a strategic partnership and its role in addressing emerging threats while fostering stability, prosperity, and peace in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
This is the second time Trump will be sworn in as the U.S. President.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, who are part of the QUAD alliance, will represent their countries in the mega event.
Republican Senator Marco Rubio is expected to become the new Secretary of State.
Trump’s pick for secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), is expected to helm the meeting — assuming he is confirmed Monday as expected, Politico reported.
