Atlanta, USA | November 1, 2026
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called on the Quad to prioritise freedom of choice, resilient supply chains and regional security while developing a more practical and contemporary agenda for cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
Speaking after the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of maintaining stability, promoting prosperity and strengthening economic security among the four partner countries.
The meeting brought together Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
The ministers discussed cooperation in critical minerals, energy security, emerging technologies, maritime security and counter-terrorism.
Jaishankar Highlights Freedom of Choice in Indo-Pacific
In a post on X following the meeting, Jaishankar said maintaining stability, driving prosperity and ensuring freedom of choice remain important commitments for the Quad.
He stressed the need for deeper cooperation to protect supply chains and strengthen security in technology, critical minerals and energy.
The minister also called for addressing non-market practices and increasing economic pressures across the Indo-Pacific.
Although the discussions raised concerns about economic challenges and supply chain disruptions, Jaishankar did not identify any country or specify the practices being discussed.
Quad Raises Concerns Over Economic Coercion
The Quad foreign ministers expressed concern over economic coercion, arbitrary export restrictions and non-market policies that can disrupt global supply chains.
In their joint statement, the ministers emphasised the importance of reliable and open supply chains and trusted infrastructure.
The discussions come amid growing international concerns about access to critical minerals, semiconductor components and other materials essential to advanced industries.
The Quad partners agreed to strengthen economic security and identify vulnerabilities that could affect global manufacturing and technology supply chains.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Quad was not an anti-China coalition, although the group’s concerns reflected practices that Washington believes are repeatedly coming from one country.
More Than $85 Million for Trusted AI Cooperation
The Quad ministers announced plans to extend more than $85 million in technical and financial assistance to improve access to trusted artificial intelligence technologies across the Indo-Pacific.
The initiative includes cooperation through the Quad AI Accelerator and aims to support regional access to AI capabilities.
The ministers also discussed strengthening cooperation in emerging technologies and identifying vulnerabilities in semiconductor supply chains.
The initiatives reflect the Quad’s growing focus on technology, economic resilience and innovation alongside traditional security cooperation.
US Announces $10 Million Initiative for Critical Minerals Recovery
The ministers welcomed a US commitment of $10 million towards facilities in India and ASEAN countries that recover critical minerals from waste.
The initiative aims to recover valuable materials from discarded electronics and scrap, helping reduce dependence on individual suppliers.
The Quad partners will also explore ways to simplify cross-border movement of recyclable materials.
The funding is intended for facilities across India and ASEAN countries and is not exclusively allocated to India.
Quad Strengthens Maritime Security Cooperation
The Quad ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security and freedom of navigation across the Indo-Pacific and key international waterways.
They highlighted the importance of protecting navigational rights in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid regional tensions.
The partners also announced plans for their first exercise under the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration initiative at Sea Dragon 2027.
The initiative aims to improve information sharing and maritime domain awareness among participating countries.
A Quad Maritime Domain Awareness Track 1.5 Symposium is also scheduled for early 2027 under the Maritime Training Initiative, providing a platform for regional partners to discuss maritime technologies and information sharing.
Quad Targets Online Scam Networks and Human Trafficking
The foreign ministers pledged to strengthen efforts against online scam operations and transnational criminal networks.
They condemned organisations involved in trafficking people and forcing victims to participate in fraudulent activities.
The partners also emphasised the importance of accountability and coordinated action against criminal networks operating across borders.
The announcement adds transnational crime prevention to the Quad’s wider agenda of regional security and cooperation.
Quad Business Leaders’ Forum to Expand Economic Cooperation
The ministers announced the first Quad Business Leaders’ Forum to strengthen commercial relations and encourage business opportunities across key sectors.
The forum is intended to improve engagement between businesses in India, the United States, Japan and Australia.
The initiative complements the group’s work on supply chain resilience, critical technologies and economic security.
The Atlanta meeting marked the third Quad foreign ministers’ gathering this year, following earlier meetings in New Delhi and Manila.
Quad’s Role in a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
The Quad comprises India, the United States, Japan and Australia.
Its cooperation covers maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity, critical and emerging technologies, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
The Atlanta meeting highlighted the group’s effort to move towards a practical agenda focused on economic resilience, technology cooperation and regional stability.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and to strengthening cooperation among partner countries.
