Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has defended the Quad’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific, saying the grouping is focused on “peace, stability, and prosperity” rather than bloc confrontation, as geopolitical tensions and uncertainty continue to rise across the region.
Speaking in New Delhi after the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Wong described Australia and India as “Comprehensive Strategic Partners” anchored by “strategic trust” and deepening economic ties. She said India’s position as “the world’s fastest growing major economy” made the bilateral relationship increasingly important for Australia’s economic and supply chain diversification plans.
“We do live in a very uncertain world,” Wong said. “The close cooperation between our two countries has never been more important.”
Wong confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Australia “in the very near future”, following an announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Questions during the press conference focused heavily on China, Indo-Pacific security, the Strait of Hormuz and whether the Quad’s strategic purpose was shifting amid changing US-China dynamics.
Wong rejected suggestions that the Quad was aimed at confrontation with China.
“The Quad is about strategic stability,” she said. “We are for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and that’s what we’re acting to deliver.”
She also pushed back against suggestions that stronger dialogue between Washington and Beijing could weaken the Quad.
“The Quad is about strategic stability. We are for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and that’s what we’re acting to deliver”
“The world wants the two great powers of the US and China to work together to ensure that they can coexist peacefully,” Wong said.
The foreign minister said the Quad’s practical focus included maritime domain awareness, energy security, disaster response and critical infrastructure projects across the Indo-Pacific.
Among the initiatives discussed was a new port infrastructure partnership in Fiji, which Wong said reflected the Quad’s goal of responding to priorities identified by countries in the region.
She also confirmed Quad discussions touched on tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefing ministers on negotiations involving Iran.
“We need to see a diplomatic resolution, we need to see the Strait open, we need to see supply flow,” Wong said.
Wong said maritime domain awareness had become increasingly important for sovereignty and freedom of navigation, particularly across the Indian Ocean and Pacific regions.
“It is a way of ensuring we know who is in our maritime domain, and what we need to do about it,” she said.
The Quad, comprising Australia, India, Japan and the United States, has expanded cooperation in recent years across maritime security, critical minerals, energy security, undersea cables and regional infrastructure projects as strategic competition intensifies across the Indo-Pacific.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
