Quad Vital for Peace and Prosperity in Indo-Pacific: Philip Green
Australian High Commissioner Philip Green and Quad ministers outline plans for a secure Indo-Pacific, targeting cyber scams and economic coercion.
The Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, has strongly reaffirmed the significance of the 'Quad' in ensuring a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. In a series of statements shared on X, Green emphasized that the partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States is centered on practical cooperation to address the most pressing economic opportunities and challenges facing the region.
A Strategic Shield Against Economic Coercion
The High Commissioner's remarks follow a high-level meeting of the Quad Foreign Ministers held in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 31, 2026. During this summit, the ministers—including the US Secretary of State, Australia's Foreign Minister, India's External Affairs Minister, and Japan's Foreign Minister—issued a joint statement outlining their shared vision for global stability.
A primary focus of the discussions was economic security. The ministers expressed grave concerns regarding "economic coercion," specifically pointing toward arbitrary export restrictions and non-market policies. They warned that such practices lead to overcapacity, which can disrupt global supply chains in critical industries. To counter this, the Quad has committed to building more reliable, open supply chains and resilient infrastructure.
Protecting Global Trade and Sea Lanes
Recognizing that the flow of commerce and energy security depends on open waters, the Quad ministers stressed the absolute necessity of protecting navigational rights. The joint statement specifically highlighted the importance of maintaining freedom of passage in critical maritime corridors, including:
- The Strait of Hormuz
- The Red Sea
- The Bab el-Mandeb Strait
The grouping asserted that these rights must be preserved in accordance with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to ensure the safety of maritime crews and vessels without the imposition of tolls.
The Future of Intelligence and Cyber Security
The Quad is also looking toward the technological horizon. The ministers highlighted the role of Super Intelligence (SI) and initiatives such as "Pax Silica" as drivers for future economic growth. To support this, the Quad intends to provide over $85 million in technical and financial assistance through the Quad SI Accelerator to ensure trusted access to SI across the Indo-Pacific.
On the security front, the group expressed deep alarm over the rise of transnational cyber scams. The ministers condemned criminal organizations that traffic people and force them to defraud citizens, stealing tens of billions of dollars annually. The member nations have pledged to dismantle these operations and hold the leaders of these criminal groups accountable.
Humanitarian Ties and Regional Leadership
Beyond security and economics, the Quad expressed solidarity during times of crisis. The ministers offered condolences for the lives lost during the devastating flash floods of August 26, 2026. They specifically recognized India's pivotal role as the first responder in the rescue operations in Nepal, noting that all Quad countries provided significant support to the nation.
India's Perspective on the Grouping
Adding to these developments, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored that the Quad's priorities must remain centered on freedom of choice and the fight against non-market practices. Following his discussions in Atlanta with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Jaishankar advocated for a contemporary and practical approach to the grouping's agenda to maintain stability and drive prosperity.