​Different directions: On the Quad, Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

The article discusses the recent Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, highlighting its initiatives and the challenges to the grouping's unity and relevance. Key initiatives include maritime security collaboration (IPMSC, IPMDA, Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission), critical mineral cooperation, an energy security partnership, and the first Quad infrastructural project (a port in Fiji). The Quad reiterated its commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), territorial integrity, countering terrorism, and upholding international law (UNCLOS). However, the article points out internal contradictions, particularly concerning the U.S.'s unilateral engagements with China, Russia, and Iran, and tensions with India (Pannun-Nijjar case) and other members (tariffs, sanctions), which have delayed leader-level summits and raised questions about the Quad's future direction.