 "Why this meeting of the Quad squad is not its usual one")
In an unusual turn of events, US Senator Marco Rubio will be hosting a meeting with foreign ministers from India, Japan and Australia ahead of a planned Quad leaders’ summit in New Delhi later this year.
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, brings together the four countries to discuss strategic and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
However, this latest meeting departed from the norm, both in tone and in substance.
One point of difference is the host. Senator Rubio, currently acting as both Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, is an unconventional choice to lead a high-level diplomatic engagement, and his dual role has raised questions among the visiting ministers about the continuity and direction of US foreign policy.
Underlying tensions among the Quad members further complicated the gathering.
India is irked by President Donald Trump’s claim that he had offered to he had offered to mediate the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, a highly sensitive and longstanding issue. New Delhi has rejected any suggestion of third-party involvement, maintaining that Kashmir is a bilateral matter to be resolved solely between India and Pakistan.
Australia, meanwhile, is concerned about US Pentagon’s ongoing review of the AUKUS agreement, which could affect plans for nuclear-powered submarines.
Japan is increasingly uncomfortable with American pressure to raise its defence spending. While Tokyo has already committed to a major military expansion, the largest since the Second World War, Washington is urging even faster increases.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAll three guests also share concerns over the United States’ threat of sweeping tariffs, which could strain trade relations and further complicate multilateral cooperation.
While the ministers reiterated their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, the atmosphere surrounding this meeting revealed growing unease within the Quad.
As preparations continue for the summit in New Delhi, the group’s unity and confidence in US leadership may face further tests in the months ahead.
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